Atmel (ATML) 10-K 28 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ATMEL CORP	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000872448	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$3,049,446,834
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	425,452,217	427,930,699
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Document Fiscal Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net revenue	$1,386,447	$1,432,110	$1,803,053
Operating expenses	'	'	'
Cost of revenue	812,822	830,791	894,820
Research and development	266,408	251,519	255,653
Selling, general and administrative	237,559	275,257	280,410
Acquisition-related charges	5,534	7,388	5,408
Restructuring charges	50,026	23,986	20,064
(Recovery) impairment of receivables from foundry supplier	-600	6,495	0
Credit from reserved grant income	0	-10,689	0
Gain on sale of assets	-4,430	0	-35,310
Settlement charges	21,600	0	0
Total operating expenses	1,388,919	1,384,747	1,421,045
Income (loss) from operations	-2,472	47,363	382,008
Interest and other income (expense), net	1,959	-5,125	-818
Income (loss) before income taxes	-513	42,238	381,190
Provision for income taxes	-21,542	-11,793	-66,200
Net income (loss)	($22,055)	$30,445	$314,990
Basic net income (loss) per share:	'	'	'
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	($0.05)	$0.07	$0.69
Weighted-average shares used in basic net income per share calculations (in shares)	427,460	433,017	455,629
Diluted net income (loss) per share:	'	'	'
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	($0.05)	$0.07	$0.68
Weighted-average shares used in diluted net income per share calculations (in shares)	427,460	437,582	462,673

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Stockholders' Equity, Total [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balances at Dec. 31, 2010	'	$457	$1,273,853	$16,329	($237,583)	$1,053,056
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	'	456,788	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	314,990	'	'	'	314,990	314,990
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-6,881	'	'	-6,881	'	-6,881
Share-based compensation expense	'	'	69,102	'	'	69,102
Tax benefit on share-based compensation expense	'	'	939	'	'	939
Exercise of stock options	'	4	19,336	'	'	19,340
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	'	4,285	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan	'	2	9,404	'	'	9,406
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	'	1,514	'	'	'	'
Vested restricted stock units	'	6	'	'	'	6
Vested restricted stock units (in shares)	'	6,345	'	'	'	'
Vested performance restricted stock units	'	8	'	'	'	8
Vested performance-based restricted stock units (in shares)	'	8,485	'	'	'	'
Shares withheld for employee taxes related to vested restricted stock units	'	-6	-73,280	'	'	-73,286
Shares withheld for employee taxes related to vested restricted stock units (in shares)	'	-6,252	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	-304,200	-29	-304,207	'	'	-304,236
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	-28,800	-28,776	'	'	'	'
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	'	442	995,147	9,448	77,407	1,082,444
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	442,389	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	30,445	'	'	'	30,445	30,445
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-3,036	'	'	-3,036	'	-3,036
Share-based compensation expense	'	'	71,974	'	'	71,974
Equity related restructuring charges	'	'	413	'	'	413
Tax benefit on share-based compensation expense	'	'	-1,738	'	'	-1,738
Exercise of stock options	'	2	4,578	'	'	4,580
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	0	1,239	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan	'	2	10,955	'	'	10,957
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	'	1,770	'	'	'	'
Vested restricted stock units	'	8	'	'	'	8
Vested restricted stock units (in shares)	'	7,975	'	'	'	'
Shares withheld for employee taxes related to vested restricted stock units	'	-2	-19,828	'	'	-19,830
Shares withheld for employee taxes related to vested restricted stock units (in shares)	'	-2,100	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	-179,600	-23	-179,556	'	'	-179,579
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	-22,700	-22,680	'	'	'	'
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	996,638	429	881,945	6,412	107,852	996,638
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	428,593	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	-22,055	'	'	'	'	-22,055
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	6,385	'	'	6,385	'	6,385
Share-based compensation expense	'	'	42,454	'	'	42,454
Equity related restructuring charges	'	'	566	'	'	566
Tax benefit on share-based compensation expense	'	'	-913	'	'	-913
Exercise of stock options	'	3	12,340	'	'	12,343
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	0	2,990	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan	'	2	10,603	'	'	10,605
Issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	'	1,920	'	'	'	'
Vested restricted stock units	'	7	'	'	'	0
Vested restricted stock units (in shares)	'	7,335	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock vested (classify from APIC to common stock)	'	'	-7	'	'	'
Shares withheld for employee taxes related to vested restricted stock units	'	4	20,311	'	'	20,315
Shares withheld for employee taxes related to vested restricted stock units (in shares)	'	-3,256	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock	-87,800	-12	-87,769	'	'	-87,781
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	-12,200	-12,192	'	'	'	'
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	$937,927	$425	$838,908	$12,797	$85,797	$937,927
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	425,390	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($22,055)	$30,445	$314,990
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax benefit (expense) of $0 in 2013, $(27) in 2012 and $147 in 2011	3,325	3,902	-6,863
Actuarial gains (losses) related to defined benefit pension plans, net of tax benefit (expense) of $(1,210) in 2013, $2,628 in 2012 and $0 in 2011	2,913	-6,778	-197
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments arising during period, net of tax benefit of $339 in 2013, $155 in 2012 and $0 in 2011	147	-946	179
Reclassification adjustment for other-than-temporary impairment in value of investments, net of tax benefit of $450 in 2012	0	786	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6,385	-3,036	-6,881
Total comprehensive income (loss)	($15,670)	$27,409	$308,109

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	($27)	$0	'	$147
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	'	-1,210	2,628	0
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Income Loss, Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities	'	339	155	0
Reclassification adjustment [Domain]	'	'	'	'
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion in Other Comprehensive Income Loss, Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Available-for-sale Securities	'	'	$450	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$276,881	$293,370
Short-term investments	2,181	2,687
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,926 and $11,005, respectively	206,757	188,488
Inventories	274,967	348,273
Prepaids and other current assets	92,234	125,019
Total current assets	853,020	957,837
Fixed assets, net	184,983	221,044
Goodwill	108,240	104,430
Intangible assets, net	28,116	27,257
Other assets	178,167	122,965
Total assets	1,352,526	1,433,533
Current liabilities	'	'
Trade accounts payable	95,872	103,980
Accrued and other liabilities	155,406	203,510
Deferred income on shipments to distributors	42,594	29,226
Total current liabilities	293,872	336,716
Other long-term liabilities	120,727	100,179
Total liabilities	414,599	436,895
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)	'	'
Stockholdersb equity	'	'
Preferred stock; par value $0.001; Authorized: 5,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock; par value $0.001; Authorized: 1,600,000 shares; Shares issued and outstanding: 425,390 at December 31, 2013 and 428,593 at December 31, 2012	425	429
Additional paid-in capital	838,908	881,945
Accumulated other comprehensive income	12,797	6,412
Retained earnings	85,797	107,852
Total stockholdersb equity	937,927	996,638
Total liabilities and stockholdersb equity	$1,352,526	$1,433,533

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$1,926	$11,005
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, Authorized shares	5,000	5,000
Preferred stock, Shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, Shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, Authorized shares	1,600,000	1,600,000
Common stock, Shares issued	425,390	428,593
Common stock, Shares outstanding	425,390	428,593

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($22,055)	$30,445	$314,990
Depreciation and amortization	75,084	76,933	76,986
Curtailment gain	-1,607	0	0
(Gain) loss from foundry arrangement	-3,034	10,628	0
(Recovery) impairment of receivable from foundry supplier	-600	6,495	0
Asset impairment charges	7,502	0	0
Non-cash (gains) losses on sale of fixed assets, net	-886	264	-36,333
Deferred income taxes	-8,660	-23,459	44,233
Realized loss (gain) on short-term investments	0	1,037	-6,240
Accretion of interest on long-term debt	1,113	1,017	784
Share-based compensation expense	43,124	72,442	68,125
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	-2,260	-1,264	-2,650
Non-cash acquisition-related and other (credits) charges	-1,223	2,916	-14
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	-18,171	24,362	19,787
Inventories	69,460	10,250	-100,695
Current and other assets	-14,050	32,406	-15,932
Trade accounts payable	-13,655	38,644	-60,113
Accrued and other liabilities	12,912	-66,255	-47,055
Income taxes payable	-9,238	2,251	-15,639
Deferred income on shipments to distributors	13,368	-18,394	-19,088
Net cash provided by operating activities	127,124	200,718	221,146
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Acquisitions of fixed assets	-35,117	-38,289	-84,564
Proceeds from the sale of business	5,092	26,908	1,597
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets	3,100	0	47,250
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	-25,852	-43,499	-20,256
Acquisitions of intangible assets	-6,328	-4,000	-4,000
Sales or maturities of marketable securities	0	4,450	16,739
Investment in private companies	0	-2,500	0
Decrease in long-term restricted cash	0	5,000	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-59,105	-51,930	-43,234
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Principal payments on debt and capital leases	-3,644	0	-85
Debt issuance cost	-2,051	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	-87,781	-179,579	-304,236
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	22,948	15,537	28,746
Tax payments related to shares withheld for vested restricted stock units	-20,315	-19,830	-73,286
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation	2,260	1,264	2,650
Net cash used in financing activities	-88,583	-182,608	-346,211
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	4,075	-2,241	-3,725
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-16,489	-36,061	-172,024
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	293,370	329,431	501,455
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	276,881	293,370	329,431
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:	'	'	'
Interest paid	912	242	1,857
Income taxes paid	13,761	16,064	31,986
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities disclosures:	'	'	'
Increase (decreases) in accounts payable related to fixed assets purchases	4,825	-803	-21,000
Decreases in liabilities related to intangible assets purchases	-6,328	-4,000	-4,000
Additional consideration payable related to acquisition	$0	$18,225	$0

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Nature of Operations
	Atmel Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively "Atmel" or the "Company") is one of the world’s leading designers, developers and suppliers of microcontrollers, which are self-contained computers-on-a-chip. Microcontrollers are generally less expensive, consume less power and offer enhanced programming capabilities compared to traditional microprocessors. The Company's microcontrollers and related products are used in many of the world’s leading industrial and automotive electronics, mobile computing and communications devices, including smartphones, tablets, Ultrabooks and personal computers, and other electronics products in which they provide core, embedded functionalities for, among other things, touch and proximity sensing, sensor management, security and encryption, wireless connectivity, lighting and system controls and battery management. The Company continues to extend its product portfolio through the ongoing development and introduction of additional wireless products that allow devices to communicate and connect with each other, having continued to integrate enhanced wireless capabilities into the Company's product portfolio using technologies such as Zigbee and “Wi-Fi Direct,” that enable the so-called “Internet of Things,” where smart, connected devices and appliances seamlessly share data and information. The Company also expects these products to proliferate within the quickly evolving “wearables” sector, where its microcontrollers may be used to manage multiple accelerometers or sensors within a device, to communicate information from that device to a gateway, or to track or monitor other activities. The Company also continues to enable and enhance human computer interaction by leveraging its market leading capacitive touch products, its microcontroller know-how and its significant intellectual property ("IP") portfolio. In addition, the Company continuously seeks new market opportunities that benefit from its corporate and technology strengths, as it did when the Company launched its XSense product, a new type of proprietary metal mesh technology for touch sensors. To maintain a broad market reach, the Company also designs and sells other semiconductor products that complement its microcontroller business, including nonvolatile memory, radio frequency and mixed-signal components and application specific integrated circuits. The Company's product portfolio allows the Company to address a broad range of high growth applications, including, for example, industrial, building and home electronics systems, smart meters used for utility monitoring and billing, commercial, residential and architectural LED-based lighting systems, touch panels used on household and industrial appliances, medical devices, aerospace and military products and systems, and a growing universe of electronic-based automotive systems like keyless ignition and access, engine control, air-bag deployment, and lighting and entertainment systems. The Company expects the market for microcontrollers to continue to expand over time as tactile, gesture and proximity-based user interfaces become increasingly prevalent, as additional intelligence is built into an ever-growing universe of everyday products for the “Internet of Things” or integrated within “wearable” devices, as industrial and automotive customers accelerate the replacement of mechanical or passive controls in their products, and as power management, authentication, cryptographic, security and similar capabilities become increasingly critical to many industrial, automotive, consumer and medical products.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Atmel and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	2011 Out-of-Period Adjustments
	The Company recorded an out-of-period adjustment to reverse test and assembly subcontractor accruals for $6.9 million, related to cost of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011. In addition, the Company corrected excess depreciation for certain fixed assets for $1.7 million, related to research and development for the year ended December 31, 2011. The correction of these errors resulted in an increase to the Company's net income of $8.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Management assessed the impact of these errors and concluded that the amounts were not material, either individually or in the aggregate, to any prior periods' annual or interim financial statements, nor was the impact of the errors material to the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011. On that basis, the Company recorded these corrections, in the aggregate, in the year ended December 31, 2011.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates in these financial statements include provision for excess and obsolete inventory, sales return reserves, share-based compensation expense, allowances for doubtful accounts receivable, warranty accruals, estimates for useful lives associated with long-lived assets, asset impairment charges, recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets, restructuring charges, fair value of net assets held for sale, liabilities for uncertain tax positions, and deferred tax asset valuation allowances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	For certain of Atmel's financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other current assets and current liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate their fair value due to the relatively short maturity of these items. Investments in debt securities are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices. The estimated fair value has been determined by the Company using available market information. However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Atmel could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies could have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Investments with an original or remaining maturity of 90 days or less, as of the date of purchase, are considered cash equivalents, and consist of highly liquid money market instruments.
	Atmel maintains its cash balances at a variety of financial institutions and has not experienced any material losses relating to such instruments. Atmel invests its excess cash in accordance with its investment policy that has been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.
	Investments
	All of the Company's investments are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities with an original or remaining maturity of greater than 90 days, as of the date of purchase, are classified as short-term when they represent investments of cash that are intended for use in current operations. Investments in available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value with unrealized (losses) gains, net of related tax, included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.
	The Company's marketable securities include corporate equity securities and auction-rate securities. The Company monitors its investments for impairment periodically and recognizes an impairment charge when the decline in the fair value of these investments is judged to be other-than temporary. Significant judgment is used to identify events or circumstances that would likely have a significant adverse effect on the future use of the investment. The Company considers various factors in determining whether impairment is other-than-temporary, including the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer and the Company's ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time which may be sufficient for anticipated recovery of market value. The Company's investments include an auction-rate security with a fair value of $1.1 million at both December 31, 2013 and 2012, which is structured with short-term interest rate reset dates of either 7 days or 28 days, and contractual maturities that can be in excess of 10 years. The Company evaluates its portfolio by continuing to monitor the credit rating and interest yields of these auction-rate securities and status of reset at each auction date.
	Accounts Receivable
	An allowance for doubtful accounts is calculated based on the aging of Atmel's accounts receivable, historical experience, and management judgment. Atmel writes off accounts receivable against the allowance when Atmel determines a balance is uncollectible and no longer intends to actively pursue collection of the receivable. The Company's bad debt expenses (recoveries) were not material for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out basis) or market. Market is based on estimated net realizable value. Determining market value of inventories involves numerous judgments, including estimating average selling prices and sales volumes for future periods. The Company establishes provisions for lower of cost or market and excess and obsolescence write-downs, which are charged to cost of revenue. The Company makes a determination regarding excess and obsolete inventory on a quarterly basis. This determination requires an estimation of the future demand for the Company’s products and involves an analysis of historical and forecasted sales levels by product, competitiveness of product offerings, market conditions, product lifecycles, as well as other factors. Excess and obsolete inventory write-downs are recorded when the inventory on hand exceeds management’s estimate of future demand for each product and are charged to cost of revenue.
	The Company’s inventories include parts that have a potential for rapid technological obsolescence and are sold in a highly competitive industry. The Company writes down inventory that is considered excess or obsolete. When the Company recognizes a loss on such inventory, it establishes a new, lower-cost basis for that inventory, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances will not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis. If inventory with a lower-cost basis is subsequently sold, it will result in higher gross margin for the products making up that inventory.
	Fixed Assets
	Fixed assets are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Building and improvements	10	to	20 years
	Machinery, equipment and software	3	to	5 years
	Furniture and fixtures			5 years
	Maintenance, repairs and minor upgrades are expensed as incurred.
	Investments in Privately-Held Companies
	Periodically, the Company makes minority investments in certain privately-held companies to further its strategic objectives. Investments in privately-held companies are accounted for at historical cost or, if Atmel has significant influence over the investee, using the equity method of accounting. Atmel's proportionate share of income or losses from investments accounted for under the equity method, and any gain or loss on disposal, are recorded in interest and other income (expense), net. Investments in privately- held companies are included in other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
	For investments in privately-held companies, the Company monitors for impairment annually, or when indicators arise, and reduces their carrying values to fair value when the declines are determined to be other-than-temporary.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company sells its products to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") and distributors and recognizes revenue when the rights and risks of ownership have passed to the customer, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the product has been delivered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Allowances for sales returns and other credits are recorded at the time of sale.
	Contracts and customer purchase orders are used to determine the existence of an arrangement. Shipping documents are used to verify delivery. The Company assesses whether the price is fixed or determinable based on the payment terms associated with the transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund or adjustment. The Company assesses collectibility based primarily on the creditworthiness of the customer as determined by credit checks and analysis, as well as the customer's payment history. Sales terms do not include post-shipment obligations except for product warranty.
	For sales to certain distributors (primarily based in the U.S. and Europe) with agreements allowing for price protection and product returns, the Company historically has not had the ability to estimate future claims at the point of shipment, and given that price is not fixed or determinable at that time, revenue is not recognized until the distributor sells the product to its end customer. At the time of shipment to these distributors, the Company records a trade receivable for the selling price as there is a legally-enforceable right to payment, relieves inventory for the carrying value of goods shipped since legal title has passed to the distributor, and records the gross margin in deferred income on shipments to distributors on the consolidated balance sheets.
	For sales to independent distributors in Asia, excluding Japan, the Company invoices these distributors at full list price upon shipment and issues a rebate, or "credit," once product has been sold to the end customer and the distributor has met certain reporting requirements. After reviewing the more limited pricing, rebate and quotation-related terms, the Company concluded that it could reliably estimate future claims, and therefore recognized revenue at the point of shipment for its Asian distributors (excluding Japan), assuming all of the other revenue recognition criteria are met, utilizing amounts invoiced, less estimated future claims.
	Grant Recognition
	Subsidy grants from government organizations are amortized as a reduction of expenses over the period the related obligations are fulfilled. Recognition of future subsidy benefits will depend on the Company's achievement of certain technical milestones, capital investment spending goals, employment goals and other requirements. The Company recognized subsidy grant benefits as a reduction of either cost of revenue or research and development expenses, depending on the nature of the grant. The reduction to research and development expenses amounted to $5.0 million, $4.2 million and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The amounts recognized as a reduction of cost of revenue were not material in each of those years.
	From time to time, the Company receives economic incentive grants and allowances from European governments, agencies and research organizations targeted at preserving employment at specific locations. The subsidy grant agreements typically contain economic incentive, headcount, capital and research and development expenditures and other conditions that must be met to receive and retain grant benefits. Noncompliance with the conditions of the grants could result in the forfeiture of all or a portion of any future amounts to be received, as well as the repayment of all or a portion of amounts previously received. In addition, the Company may need to record charges to reverse grant benefits recorded in prior periods as a result of changes to its plans for headcount, project spending, or capital investment at any of these specific locations. If the Company is unable to comply with any of the conditions in the grant agreements, the Company may face adverse actions from the government agencies providing the grants. If the Company were required to repay grant benefits, its results of operations and financial position could be materially adversely affected by the amount of such repayments.
	In March 2012, the Greek government executed a ministerial decision related to an outstanding state grant previously made to a Greek subsidiary of the Company. Based on the execution of the ministerial decision and the subsequent publication of that decision by the Greek government, the Company determined that its Greek subsidiary would not be required to repay the full amount of that grant. As a result, the Company recognized a benefit of $10.7 million in its results for the year ended December 31, 2012 resulting from the reversal of a reserve previously established for that grant.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the total liability for grant benefits subject to repayment was $0.6 million and $5.1 million, respectively, and is included in accrued and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Advertising Costs
	Atmel expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	Certain of Atmel's major international subsidiaries use their local currencies as their respective functional currencies. Financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at current rates, except that revenue, costs and expenses are translated at average current rates during each reporting period. The effect of translating the accounts of these foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars has been included in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and comprehensive (loss) income as a foreign currency translation adjustment. Gains and losses from re-measurement of assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the respective functional currencies are included in the consolidated statements of operations. Gains due to foreign currency re-measurement included in interest and other income (expense), net for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $2.3 million, $0.4 million and $6.0 million, respectively.
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company determines the fair value of options and ESPP shares on the measurement date utilizing an option-pricing model, which is affected by its common stock price, as well as changes in assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to: expected common stock price volatility over the term of the option awards, as well as the projected employee option exercise behaviors during the expected period between the stock option grant date and stock option exercise date. For performance-based restricted stock units, the Company is required to assess the probability of achieving certain financial objectives at the end of each reporting period. Based on the assessment of this probability, which requires subjective judgment, the Company records share-based compensation expense before the performance criteria are actually fully achieved, which may then be reversed in future periods if the Company determines that it is no longer probable that the objectives will be achieved. The expected cost of each award is reflected over the performance period and is reduced for estimated forfeitures. The fair value of a restricted stock unit is equivalent to the market price of the Company's common stock on the measurement date.
	Valuation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill is recorded when the consideration paid for an acquisition exceeds the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company reviews goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter of each year and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. While the Company is permitted to conduct a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test, for the annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company performed a quantitative test for all of our reporting units with goodwill. The performance of the test involves a two-step process. The first step requires comparing the fair value of each of the reporting units to its net book value, including goodwill. The Company has three reporting units with goodwill, the fair values of which are determined based on an income approach, whereby the Company calculates the fair value of the reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, which are formed by evaluating operating plans. A potential impairment exists if the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its net book value. The second step of the process is only performed if a potential impairment exists, and it involves determining the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then the Company records an impairment loss equal to the difference. The Company has not been required to perform this second step of the process because the fair value of the reporting units have exceeded their net book value for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions may include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions. Failure to achieve these expected results may cause a future impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit. In addition, the Company makes certain judgments and assumptions in allocating shared assets and liabilities to individual reporting units to determine the carrying amount for each reporting unit.
	Purchased intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the Company may not be able to recover the asset's carrying amount.
	Certain Risks and Concentrations
	Atmel sells its products primarily to OEMs and distributors in North America, Europe and Asia, generally without requiring any collateral. Atmel performs ongoing credit evaluations and seeks to maintain adequate allowances for potential credit losses. One distributor accounted for 20% of accounts receivable at December 31, 2013 and no customer accounted for 10% or more of accounts receivable at December 31, 2013. Two distributors accounted for 14% and 12%, respectively, of accounts receivable at December 31, 2012 and one customer accounted for 10% of accounts receivable at December 31, 2012. The Company had one distributor and one customer that accounted for 14% and 12%, respectively, of net revenue in the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company had one distributor and one customer that accounted for 12% and 10%, respectively, of net revenue in the year ended December 31, 2012. No single customer accounted for 10% or more of net revenue in the year ended December 31, 2011.
	The semiconductor industry is characterized by rapid technological change, competitive pricing pressures and cyclical market patterns. The Company's financial results are affected by a wide variety of factors, including general economic conditions worldwide, economic conditions specific to the semiconductor industry, the timely introduction of new products and implementation of new manufacturing process technologies and the ability to safeguard patents and intellectual property in a rapidly evolving market. In addition, the semiconductor industry has historically been cyclical and subject to significant economic downturns at various times. As a result, Atmel may experience significant period-to-period fluctuations in future operating results due to the factors mentioned above or other factors. Atmel believes that its existing cash, cash equivalents and investments together with cash flow from operations and future withdrawals from a new credit facility, will be sufficient to support its liquidity and capital investment activities for the next twelve months.
	Additionally, the Company relies on a limited number of contract manufacturers to provide assembly services for its products. The inability of a contract manufacturer or supplier to fulfill supply requirements of the Company could materially affect future operating results.
	Income Taxes
	The Company's (provision for) benefit from income tax comprises its current tax liability and change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the difference is expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that in management's judgment is more likely than not to be recoverable against future taxable income. No U.S. taxes are provided on earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries to the extent such earnings are deemed to be indefinitely reinvested.
	The Company's income tax calculations are based on application of the respective U.S. federal, state or foreign tax law. The Company's tax filings, however, are subject to audit by the relevant tax authorities. Accordingly, the Company recognizes tax liabilities based upon its estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due when such estimates are more-likely-than-not to be sustained. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. To the extent the final tax liabilities are different than the amounts originally accrued, the increases or decreases are recorded as income tax expense or benefit in the consolidated statements of operations.
	In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company evaluates both positive and negative evidence that may exist and considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.
	Any adjustment to the net deferred tax asset valuation allowance would be recorded in the consolidated statements of operations for the period that the adjustment is determined to be required.
	Long-Lived Assets
	Atmel periodically evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets. Factors which could trigger an impairment review include the following: (i) significant negative industry or economic trends; (ii) exiting an activity in conjunction with a restructuring of operations; (iii) current, historical or projected losses that demonstrate a likelihood of continuing losses associated with an asset; (iv) significant decline in the Company's market capitalization for an extended period of time relative to net book value; (v) material changes in the Company's manufacturing model; and (vi) management's assessment of future manufacturing capacity requirements. When the Company determines that there is an indicator that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable, the assessment of possible impairment is based on the Company's ability to recover the carrying value of the asset from the expected future undiscounted pre-tax cash flows of the related operations. These estimates include assumptions about future conditions such as future revenue, gross margin, operating expenses, and the fair values of certain assets based on appraisals and industry trends. If these cash flows are less than the carrying value of such assets, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between estimated fair value and carrying value. The measurement of impairment requires management to estimate future cash flows and the fair value of long-lived assets. The evaluation is performed at the lowest levels for which there are identifiable, independent cash flows.
	Costs that the Company incurs to acquire completed product and process technology are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over three to five years. Capitalized product and process technology costs are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the technology or the term of the technology agreement.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed giving effect to all dilutive potential common shares that were outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential common shares consist of incremental common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options, upon vesting of restricted stock units, contingently issuable shares for all periods and assumed issuance of shares under the Company's employee stock purchase plan. No dilutive potential common shares are included in the computation of any diluted per share amount when a loss from continuing operations is reported by the Company.
Research and Development
Cost incurred in the research and development of Atmel's products is expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses were $266.4 million, $251.5 million and $255.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standard Board issued an Accounting Standards Update on Income Taxes, to improve the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This guidance is expected to permit a presentation that better reflects the manner in which an entity would settle at the reporting date any additional income taxes resulting from the disallowance of a tax position when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. This guidance is effective for the Company's interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company does not believe that the implementation of this authoritative guidance will have any material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

BALANCE_SHEET_DETAILS

BALANCE SHEET DETAILS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'
BALANCE SHEET DETAILS	'
	BALANCE SHEET DETAILS
	Inventories are comprised of the following:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Raw materials and purchased parts	$	9,547	$	19,963
	Work-in-progress	200,434		231,614
	Finished goods	64,986		96,696
		$	274,967	$	348,273
	Prepaids and other current assets consist of the following:
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
		(in thousands)
	Deferred income tax assets	$	35,493	$	53,105
	Income tax receivable	8,668		6,346
	Prepaid income taxes	2,938		13,113
	Value-added tax receivable	2,734		7,144
	Other	42,401		45,311
		$	92,234	$	125,019
	Other assets consist of the following:
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
		(in thousands)
	Deferred income tax assets, net of current portion	$	134,365	$	102,315
	Investments in privately-held companies	8,128		8,493
	Auction-rate securities	1,066		1,066
	Other	34,608		11,091
		$	178,167	$	122,965
	Accrued and other liabilities consist of the following:
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
		(in thousands)
	Accrued salaries and benefits and other employee related	$	67,486	$	54,993
	Accrued restructuring	25,441		16,222
	Royalties and licenses	8,204		4,295
	Advance payments from customer	4,668		10,000
	Warranty accruals and accrued returns	4,406		10,411
	Income taxes payable	3,219		7,863
	Grants to be repaid	579		5,054
	Deferred income tax liability, current portion	208		304
	Current portion of market price adjustment to supply agreement	—		20,953
	Other	41,195		73,415
		$	155,406	$	203,510
	Other long-term liabilities consist of the following:
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
		(in thousands)
	Income taxes payable	$	50,334	$	26,744
	Accrued pension liability	38,418		40,087
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, less current portion	7,010		5,602
	Long-term technology license payable	3,568		—
	Advance payments from customer	—		4,668
	Other	21,397		23,078
		$	120,727	$	100,179
	Advance payments from customer relate to an agreement that the Company entered into with a specific customer in fiscal 2000. The agreement calls for the Company to supply either a minimum quantity of the Company's products or make minimum repayments. The minimum payment required to be made annually is the greater of 15% of the value of product shipped to the customer or $10.0 million, until such time that the advances have been fully repaid. The Company repaid $10.0 million in each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 under this agreement. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had remaining$4.7 million which was recorded in accrued and other liabilities.
	Included in other long-term liabilities is a note payable to an entity in which the Company has an equity investment to further its strategic objectives. The total outstanding amount due was $3.6 million, of which $2.9 million is included in other long-term liabilities and $0.7 million is included in accounts payable at December 31, 2013, and $7.5 million at December 31, 2012, of which $6.6 million is included in other long-term liabilities and $0.9 million is included in accounts payable. In addition, the Company paid $6.7 million, $6.6 million and $3.7 million to this entity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, relating to a cost sharing arrangement for facility services at its Heilbronn, Germany facility.
	Included in accrued and other liabilities as of December 31, 2012 is a liability related to a manufacturing services agreement entered into with LFoundry Rousset S.A.S. (“LFoundry Rousset”). In connection with the sale of the Company’s Rousset manufacturing operations to LFoundry GmbH (“LFoundry GmbH”) in June 2010, subsidiaries of the Company entered into certain other ancillary agreements, including a manufacturing services agreement (“MSA”) in which the subsidiaries agreed to purchase wafers following the closing on a “take-or-pay” basis. The present value of the liability was reduced over the term of the MSA as the wafers were purchased. The MSA liability was reduced by $21.0 million, $34.5 million, $31.9 million for the wafers purchased in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company recorded $0.3 million, $2.3 million and $4.5 million in interest expense relating to the MSA liability for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS	'
	BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
	Integrated Device Technology's Smart Metering Business
	On March 7, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition from Integrated Device Technology (“IDT”) of its smart metering business for a cash purchase price of $10.3 million. This business is included in the Company's Microcontroller segment. The acquisition was intended to enable the Company to offer complementary products and to enhance the Company's existing smart energy product portfolio. Prior to the acquisition, the assets of IDT's smart metering business consisted primarily of approximately 20 employees, inventory, intellectual property assets, customers and distributors and related revenue streams. The acquisition, therefore, qualified as a business for accounting purposes and was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting.
	The purchase price allocation as of the closing date of the acquisition and estimated useful lives of identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows:
		Purchase Price Allocation			Estimated Useful Lives
		(in thousands)
	Total purchase price	$	10,263
	Less:
	Net tangible assets acquired	(1,374		)
	Intangible assets acquired:
	Customer relationships	(1,200		)	3 years
	Developed technologies	(2,100		)	6 years
	Backlog	(200		)	1 year or less
	Total intangible assets	(3,500		)
	Goodwill	$	5,389
	The total purchase price paid by the Company exceeded the estimated fair value of the intangible assets of the acquired business, which were $3.5 million, and net tangible assets which were $1.4 million. Based on the foregoing, as part of the purchase price allocation, the Company allocated $5.4 million of the purchase price to goodwill.
	Ozmo, Inc.
	On December 20, 2012, the Company completed the acquisition of Ozmo, Inc ("Ozmo"), a provider of ultra-low Wi-Fi Direct solutions for approximately $64.4 million in cash, of which $15.6 million was paid in the first quarter of 2013. Ozmo's business is included in the Company's Microcontroller segment. The acquisition of Ozmo was intended to enable the Company to offer complementary products, to enhance the Company's existing wireless product portfolio, and potentially to accelerate time-to-market for future wireless microcontroller products that may integrate Ozmo technologies. Prior to the acquisition, Ozmo's assets consisted primarily of approximately 50 employees, patents and other intellectual property assets related to the development of Wi-Fi technologies. The acquisition, therefore, qualified as a business for accounting purposes and was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting.
	A total of $7.7 million of the purchase consideration was distributed into an escrow account to meet any indemnification claims. The escrow account is legally owned by the shareholder rights representative. As the Company does not have legal title of the account, no asset and corresponding liability will be recorded relating to the amounts held in escrow.
	Former Ozmo shareholders are eligible to receive a potential earnout in 2013 and 2014 of up to $22.0 million, subject to the achievement of specified revenue targets and, with respect to a portion of the earnout allocable to certain former Ozmo shareholders now employed by the Company, to their continuing employment. The Company recorded a liability in December 2012 of $1.9 million in respect of this potential earnout contingency, representing the fair value of the earnout potential, as adjusted to reflect a probability-weighted forecast for 2013 and 2014 Ozmo revenue and as further discounted by a 17% expected rate of return. As of December 31, 2013, the Company reversed the liability through a credit to acquisition-related charges line in the consolidated statements of operations as management revised the estimate of 2014 revenue.
	The total purchase price of the acquisition was as follows:
		December 20, 2012
		(in thousands)
	Cash in exchange for shareholders' equity interest	$	58,165
	Unvested shares in Ozmo	237
	Transaction expenses incurred by Ozmo	1,816
	Long-term debt paid on behalf of Ozmo	1,415
	Fair value of contingent consideration (earn-out provision)	1,927
	Liabilities assumed	861
	Total purchase price	$	64,421
	The purchase price allocation as of the closing date of the acquisition and estimated useful lives of identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows:
		Purchase Price Allocation			Estimated Useful Lives
		(in thousands)
	Total purchase price	$	64,421
	Less:
	Net tangible assets acquired	(2,805		)
	Intangible assets acquired:
	Customer relationships	(2,650		)			3 years
	Developed technologies	(12,020		)	4	to	6 years
	Non-compete agreements, tradename and backlog	(780		)	1	to	3 years
	Total intangible assets	(15,450		)
	Goodwill	$	46,166
	The goodwill recorded, including workforce, in connection with the acquisition, was assigned to the Company’s Microcontroller segment. The goodwill balance of $46.2 million above was reduced by $12.2 million related to net deferred tax assets created as a result of the net operating losses generated by Ozmo in previous periods. Such goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The Company's determination of fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired was corroborated by a third-party valuation.
	The acquisitions referred to in this Note 3 were not material to the Company at the time of acquisition. As a result, pro forma profit and loss statements for the acquired businesses are not presented.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
INVESTMENTS	'
	INVESTMENTS
	Investments at December 31, 2013 and 2012 primarily include corporate equity securities and auction-rate securities.
	All marketable securities are deemed by management to be available-for-sale and are reported at fair value, with the exception of certain auction-rate securities as described below. Net unrealized gains and losses that are deemed to be temporary are reported within stockholders’ equity on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Unrealized losses that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations in the period such determination is made. Gross realized gains or losses are recorded based on the specific identification method. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2011, the Company's gross realized gains and losses on short-term investments were not significant. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company's gross realized gains were not significant and the Company had a $1.2 million loss related to an "other-than-temporary impairment" in connection with an equity investment. The Company’s investments are further detailed in the table below:
		December 31, 2013					December 31, 2012
		Adjusted Cost			Fair Value		Adjusted Cost		Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Corporate equity securities	$	2,687		$	2,181	$	2,687	$	2,687
	Auction-rate security	983			1,066		983		1,066
		3,670			3,247		3,670		3,753
	Unrealized gains	83					83
	Unrealized losses	(506		)			—
	Net unrealized (losses) gains	(423		)			83
	Fair value	$	3,247				$	3,753
	Amount included in short-term investments				$	2,181			$	2,687
	Amount included in other assets				1,066				1,066
					$	3,247			$	3,753
	The Company's corporate equity securities include an investment in a European publicly-traded company, which was acquired by the Company through the sale of corporate assets. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.2 million on this investment, which it concluded to be other-than-temporary.
	The Company's only available-for-sale debt security had a contractual maturity greater than 10 years and totaled $1.0 million (at adjusted cost) as of December 31, 2013.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company redeemed a portion of its auction-rate securities in the open market, resulting in an insignificant gain. During 2013, auctions for the Company's sole auction-rate security continued to fail and as a result this security continues to be illiquid. The Company concluded that its remaining $1.0 million (adjusted cost) of auction-rate security is unlikely to be liquidated within the next twelve months and classified this security as long-term investment, which is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company has classified all investments with original maturity dates of 90 days or more as short-term as it has the ability and intent to liquidate them within the year, with the exception of the Company’s remaining auction-rate securities, which have been classified as long-term investments and included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

FAIR_VALUE_OF_ASSETS_AND_LIABI

FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES	'
	FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
	Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price)”. The accounting standard establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure requirements regarding fair value measurements. This accounting standard, among other things, requires the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
	The tables below present the balances of investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		December 31, 2013
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Assets
	Cash
	Money market funds	$	1,245	$	1,245	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments
	Corporate equity securities	2,181		2,181		—		—
	Other assets
	Auction-rate security	1,066		—		—		1,066
	Investment funds - Deferred compensation plan assets
	Institutional money market funds	2,225		2,225		—		—
	Fixed income	338		338		—		—
	Marketable equity securities	3,279		3,279		—		—
	Total institutional funds - Deferred compensation plan	5,842		5,842		—		—
	Total other assets	6,908		5,842		—		1,066
	Total	$	10,334	$	9,268	$	—	$	1,066
		December 31, 2012
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Assets
	Cash
	Money market funds	$	1,036	$	1,036	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments
	Corporate equity securities	2,687		2,687		—		—
	Other assets
	Auction-rate security	1,066		—		—		1,066
	Investment funds - Deferred compensation plan assets
	Institutional money market funds	597		597		—		—
	Fixed income	902		902		—		—
	Marketable equity securities	3,479		3,479		—		—
	Total institutional funds - Deferred compensation plan	4,978		4,978		—		—
	Total other assets	6,044		4,978		—		1,066
	Total	$	9,767	$	8,701	$	—	$	1,066
	The Company’s investments, with the exception of auction-rate security, are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices, or broker or dealer quotations. The types of instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets include most U.S. government and agency securities and money market securities. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Auction-rate securities are classified within Level 3 because significant assumptions for such securities are not observable in the market. The total amount of assets measured using Level 3 valuation methodologies represented less than 1% of the Company's total assets as of December 31, 2013. The Company redeemed one auction rate security in the open market at book value of $1.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2012.
	There were no changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. There were no transfers between Level 1 and 2 hierarchies for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

FIXED_ASSETS

FIXED ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
FIXED ASSETS	'
	FIXED ASSETS, NET
	Fixed assets, net consist of the following:
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
		(in thousands)
	Land	$	11,464		$	14,489
	Buildings and improvements	519,114			510,468
	Machinery and equipment	918,093			966,756
	Furniture and fixtures	19,794			21,636
	Construction-in-progress	17,240			2,743
		1,485,705			1,516,092
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,300,722		)	(1,295,048		)
		$	184,983		$	221,044
	Depreciation expense on fixed assets for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $66.6 million, $67.6 million and $68.9 million, respectively. Fixed assets acquired under capital leases were not material at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_NET

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET	'
	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
	The following table summarizes activities related to the carrying value of goodwill:
		Micro-			ASIC			Total
		Controllers
		(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	66,645		$	1,017		$	67,662
	Goodwill recorded in connection with acquisition	46,166			—			46,166
	Effects of foreign currency translation	(9,414		)	16			(9,398		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	103,397		$	1,033		$	104,430
	Goodwill recorded in connection with acquisition	5,389			—			5,389
	Effects of foreign currency translation	(1,625		)	46			(1,579		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	107,161		$	1,079		$	108,240
	Intangible assets, net, consist of technology licenses and acquisition-related intangible assets as follows:
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
		(in thousands)
	Licensed technology	$	23,814		$	18,123
	Accumulated amortization	(18,470		)	(16,171		)
	Total technology licenses	5,344			1,952
	Customer relationships	25,857			24,657
	Developed technologies	22,398			20,298
	Non-compete agreements, tradename and backlog	3,794			3,595
	Acquisition-related intangible assets	52,049			48,550
	Accumulated amortization	(29,277		)	(23,245		)
	Total acquisition-related intangible assets	22,772			25,305
	Total intangible assets, net	$	28,116		$	27,257
	Amortization expense for technology licenses totaled $2.3 million, $3.7 million and $3.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Amortization expense for acquisition-related intangible assets totaled $6.0 million, $5.6 million and $4.6 million, of which $1.0 million, $1.5 million and $1.1 million pertained to developed technology, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	The following table presents the estimated future amortization of the technology licenses and acquisition-related intangible assets:
	Years Ending December 31:	Technology			Acquisition-Related			Total
		Licenses			Intangible Assets
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	1,563		$	5,152		$	6,715
	2015	1,390			4,588			5,978
	2016	1,147			3,381			4,528
	2017	1,147			3,181			4,328
	2018	97			3,005			3,102
	Thereafter	—			3,465			3,465
	Total future amortization	$	5,344		$	22,772		$	28,116

BORROWING_ARRANGEMENTS

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS	'
	BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS
	Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
	On December 6, 2013, the Company entered into a five-year $300.0 million, senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Facility”), the terms of which are set forth in a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) among the Company, a group of lenders led by Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as administrative agent, and Union Bank N.A., BNP Paribas and SunTrust Bank as co-syndication agents. The Company may increase the aggregate availability under the Facility through a customary “accordion” feature in an amount not to exceed $250.0 million. The Company recorded debt issuance costs of $2.1 million associated with the Facility that will amortize over the expected life of the Facility.
	Borrowings under the Facility will be available for general corporate purposes, including working capital, stock repurchases, acquisitions and other purposes. Amounts outstanding under the Facility are due on the earlier of December 6, 2018 or 180 days prior to the maturity date of any Permitted Convertible Notes (as defined in the Credit Agreement) if, in the latter case, the Company does not otherwise have available sufficient unrestricted cash and other investments to redeem the Permitted Convertible Notes.
	The Company may prepay loans under the Credit Agreement at any time, in whole or in part, upon payment of accrued interest and break funding payments, if applicable. The Company may terminate or reduce the Facility at any time without penalty. The obligations under the Facility are guaranteed by certain domestic subsidiaries of the Company, are secured by a pledge of substantially all of the assets of the Company and the guarantors, and contains affirmative, negative and financial covenants. Affirmative covenants include, among other things, the delivery of financial statements and other information. Negative covenants include, among other things, limitations on asset sales, mergers and acquisitions, indebtedness, liens, investments and transactions with affiliates. The financial covenants require the Company to maintain compliance with a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum senior secured leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. The Credit Agreement includes customary events of default that include, among other things, non-payment defaults, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross default to material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency defaults, material judgment defaults, ERISA defaults and a change of control default. The occurrence of an event of default could result in an acceleration of obligations under the Credit Agreement. At December 31, 2013, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Facility and the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants of the Credit Agreement.
	Other Long-Term Debt
	The Company had long-term debt obligations amounting to $7.0 million and $5.6 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, relating to an amount previously advanced from a foreign government which is repayable in 2015. The balance is increased on a quarterly basis as a result of interest accretion. The repayment amount is expected to be approximately $9.6 million in 2015.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Share-Based Compensation
	The components of the Company's share-based compensation expense are summarized below:
		Years Ended
		31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12				31-Dec-11
		(in thousands)
	Employee stock options	$	1,644			$	3,470			$	5,685
	Employee stock purchase plan	2,858				3,107				2,511
	Restricted stock units	37,952				65,397				60,906
	Net amounts released from (capitalized in) inventory	670				468				(977		)
		$	43,124			$	72,442			$	68,125
	The accounting standard on share-based compensation requires the gross benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow. The future realizability of tax benefits related to share-based compensation is dependent upon the timing of employee exercises and future taxable income, among other factors. The Company reported gross excess tax benefits of $2.3 million, $1.3 million and $2.7 million in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	There was no significant non-employee share-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	The following table summarizes share-based compensation, net of amount capitalized in (released from) inventory, included in operating results:
		Years Ended
		December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
		(in thousands)
	Cost of revenue	$	5,889			$	8,052			$	7,840
	Research and development	14,852				22,825				22,916
	Selling, general and administrative	22,383				41,565				37,369
	Total share-based compensation expense, before income taxes	43,124				72,442				68,125
	Tax benefit	(7,707		)		(12,060		)		(10,453		)
	Total share-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	35,417			$	60,382			$	57,672
	Stock Options, Restricted Stock Units and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	In May 2005, Atmel’s stockholders initially approved Atmel’s 2005 Stock Plan (as amended, the “2005 Stock Plan”). On May 9, 2013, Atmel's stockholders approved an amendment to the 2005 Stock Plan to increase the number of shares allocated to the 2005 Stock Plan by 25.0 million shares. As of December 31, 2013, 158.0 million shares had been authorized for issuance under the 2005 Stock Plan, and 21.2 million shares remained available for issuance without giving effect to any adjustment that may be required by the terms of the 2005 Stock Plan in respect of shares underlying restricted stock or restricted stock units. Under the 2005 Stock Plan, Atmel may issue common stock directly, grant options to purchase common stock or grant restricted stock units payable in common stock to employees, consultants and directors of Atmel. Restricted stock units generally vest on a quarterly basis over a service period of up to four years from the grant date, although restricted stock unit grants to newly-hired employees generally have a one-year cliff vest equal to one-quarter of the total grant. Options, which generally vest over four years, are granted at fair market value on the date of the grant and generally expire ten years from that date.
	Activity under Atmel’s 2005 Stock Plan is set forth below:
					Outstanding Options						Weighted-
								Exercise			Average
		Available			Number of			Price			Exercise Price
		for Grant			Options			per Share			per Share
		(in thousands, except for per share data)
	Balances, December 31, 2010	11,463			12,660			$1.68-$14.94			$	4.35
	Additional shares approved for issuance	19,000			—			—			—
	Restricted stock units issued	(6,343	)		—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for restricted stock units issued	(4,017	)		—			—			—
	Performance-based restricted stock units issued	(3,474	)		—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for performance-based restricted stock units issued	(2,124	)		—			—			—
	Restricted stock units cancelled	1,025			—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for restricted stock units cancelled	793			—			—			—
	Performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	25			—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	17			—			—			—
	Options cancelled/expired/forfeited	158			(158	)		$2.11-$14.94			$	5.01
	Options exercised	—			(4,285	)		$1.80-$13.77			$	4.51
	Balances, December 31, 2011	16,523			8,217			$1.68-$10.01			$	4.26
	Restricted stock units issued	(8,507	)		—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for restricted stock units issued	(5,189	)		—			—			—
	Performance-based restricted stock units issued	(338	)		—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for performance-based restricted stock units issued	(206	)		—			—			—
	Restricted stock units cancelled	1,783			—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for restricted stock units cancelled	1,248			—			—			—
	Performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	330			—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	201			—			—			—
	Options cancelled/expired/forfeited	303			(303	)		$2.11-$8.83			$	4.05
	Options exercised	—			(1,239	)		$1.68-$8.89			$	3.76
	Balances, December 31, 2012	6,148			6,675			$1.68-$10.01			$	4.33
	Additional shares approved for issuance	25,000			—			—			—
	Restricted stock units issued	(7,922	)		—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for restricted stock units issued	(4,563	)		—			—			—
	Restricted stock units cancelled	2,084			—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for restricted stock units cancelled	1,388			—			—			—
	2014 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units issued	(1,048	)		—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for 2014 performance-based restricted stock units issued	(597	)		—			—			—
2011 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	422			—			—			—
Plan adjustment for 2011 performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	257			—			—			—
Options cancelled/expired/forfeited	76			(76	)		$1.77-$7.12			$	4.95
Options exercised	—			(2,964	)		$1.68-$7.12			$	4.12
Balances, December 31, 2013	21,245			3,635			$2.13-$10.01			$	4.5
In connection with the Company's acquisition of Ozmo in December 2012, the Company assumed Ozmo's equity incentive plan. Excluded from the table above are 0.4 million shares assumed as part of the acquisition of Ozmo. This amount is comprised of 0.3 million restricted stock units, with a weighted average grant date fair value of $6.17 and 0.1 million options, with a weighted average grant date fair value of $0.81. These stock options and restricted stock units remain governed by the terms and conditions of the Ozmo plan. No additional equity is expected to be granted under the Ozmo plan.
Restricted stock units are granted from the pool of options available for grant. Every share underlying restricted stock, restricted stock units (including performance-based restricted stock units), or stock purchase rights issued on or after May 9, 2013 is counted against the numerical limit for options available for grant as 1.57 shares, as reflected in the table above in the line items for "Plan adjustments", except that restricted stock units (including performance-based restricted stock units), or stock purchase rights issued prior to May 9, 2013 but on or after May 18, 2011, provide for a numerical limit of 1.61 shares, and restricted stock units (including performance-based restricted stock units), or stock purchase rights issued prior to May 18, 2011 and on or after May 14, 2008, provided for a numerical limit of 1.78 shares. If shares issued pursuant to any restricted stock, restricted stock unit, and stock purchase right agreements are cancelled, forfeited or repurchased by the Company, the number of shares returned to the 2005 Stock Plan is based upon the same ratio as they were issued and will again become available for issuance.
As of December 31, 2013, there were 21.2 million shares available for issuance under the 2005 Stock Plan, or 13.5 million shares after giving effect to the applicable ratios under the 2005 Stock Plan for issuances of restricted stock units, as described above. The shares assumed as part of the Ozmo acquisition were not issued under the 2005 Stock Plan.
Restricted Stock Units
Activity related to restricted stock units is set forth below:
	Number of			Weighted-Average Grant Date
	Units			Fair Value
	(in thousands, except for per share data)
Balances, December 31, 2010	29,250			$	5.74
Restricted stock units issued	6,343			$	10.88
Restricted stock units vested	(6,345	)		$	5.2
Restricted stock units cancelled	(1,025	)		$	6.8
2011 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units issued	3,474			$	13.94
2011 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units vested	(8,485	)		$	4.22
2011 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	(25	)		$	9.77
Balances, December 31, 2011	23,187			$	8.99
Restricted stock units issued	8,507			$	6.11
Restricted stock units vested	(7,975	)		$	6.8
Restricted stock units cancelled	(1,783	)		$	7.81
2011 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units issued	338			$	9.19
2011 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	(330	)		$	12.31
Balances, December 31, 2012	21,944			$	8.71
Restricted stock units issued	7,922			$	7.36
Restricted stock units vested	(7,271	)		$	7.3
Restricted stock units cancelled	(2,084	)		$	8.25
2014 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units issued	1,048			$	7.33
2011 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	(422	)		$	13.5
Balances, December 31, 2013	21,137			$	8.84
Excluded from the table above are 0.3 million restricted stock units, with a weighted average grant date fair value of $6.17, assumed as part of the acquisition of Ozmo.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, 7.3 million restricted stock units vested, including 3.3 million units withheld for taxes. These vested restricted stock units had a weighted-average grant date fair value of $7.30 per share for the year ended December 31, 2013. The aggregate intrinsic value of vested restricted stock units amounted to $53.5 million, $54.2 million and $193.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, total unearned share-based compensation related to unvested restricted stock units previously granted (including performance-based restricted stock units) was approximately $120.6 million, excluding forfeitures, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.
Until restricted stock units are vested, they do not have the voting rights of common stock and the shares underlying such restricted stock units are not considered issued and outstanding. Upon vesting of restricted stock units, shares withheld by the Company to pay taxes are retired.
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
On December 17, 2013, the Company adopted the Atmel 2014 Long-Term Performance-Based Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”), which provides for the grant of restricted stock units to Company participants. The Company issued 1.0 million shares under the 2014 Plan for the year ended December 31, 2013. The amount of share-based compensation expense related to the 2014 Plan was not material for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company records performance-based restricted stock units issued under the 2014 Plan based on achievement of the “target” performance metrics, which will result in a participant being credited with 100% of the performance-based shares awarded to that participant under the 2014 Plan. Achievement at the “maximum” performance metrics will result in a participant being credited with 300% of the performance-based shares awarded to that participant under the 2014 Plan.
Performance metrics for the 2014 Plan are based principally on corporate level and business unit non-GAAP semiconductor gross margin metrics, calculated at the end of each 2014 calendar quarter (other than the Company’s XSense business unit for which the performance metric will be based on 2014 cumulative calendar year revenue). Vesting of restricted stock units under the 2014 Plan is expected to commence, assuming achievement of the underlying performance metrics, in the first calendar quarter of 2015. Performance metrics and awards are not cumulative or duplicative (the final award will be based, subject to adjustment, on the highest non-GAAP semiconductor gross margin achieved during the performance period). Performance-based shares may be credited to participants at the end of any calendar quarter if a non-GAAP semiconductor gross margin performance metric has been achieved at that quarter end. Additional performance-based shares may be credited for performance that falls between “threshold” and “target” or “target” and “maximum” metrics. In the event that a performance metric is achieved and the applicable non-GAAP semiconductor gross margin performance metric, in the next succeeding 2014 calendar quarter, falls more than 2% percent below the previously achieved performance metric, the number of performance-based shares credited to a participant will be adjusted, based on average performance over the affected quarterly periods, to reflect that reduced performance.
For participants who are included within the 2014 Plan at any time after January 1, 2014, awards will be pro-rated to reflect the actual time a participant has been an employee of, or a service provider to, the Company. The amount of share-based compensation expense related to the 2014 Plan was not material for the year ended December 31, 2013.
In May 2011, we adopted the 2011 Long-Term Performance Based Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”), which ended on December 31, 2013. We recognized a share-based compensation credit of $14.5 million under the 2011 Plan in the year ended December 31, 2013. The credit recorded in the year ended December 31, 2013 resulted from finalizing our estimates regarding the achievement of certain performance criteria established under the 2011 Plan and increasing our forfeiture rate estimates for those performance-based restricted stock units. We recorded total share-based compensation expense related to performance-based restricted stock units of $12.7 million and $7.5 million under the 2011 Plan in the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Stock Option Awards
Options Outstanding												Options Exercisable
Range of		Number			Weighted-		Weighted-			Aggregate		Number	Weighted-	Weighted-	Aggregate
Exercise		Outstanding			Average		Average			Intrinsic		Exercisable	Average	Average	Intrinsic
Price ($)					Remaining		Exercise			Value			Remaining	Exercise	Value
					Contractual		Price ($)						Contractual	Price ($)
					Term (years)								Term (years)
(in thousands, except for per share prices and life data)
2.13-3.18		21			1.55		2.35			$	112	21	1.55	2.35	$	112
3.24-3.24		413			4.29		3.24			1,896		413	4.29	3.24	1,896
3.26-3.29		371			1.77		3.28			1,686		371	1.77	3.28	1,686
3.32-4.20		381			4.67		3.95			1,480		381	4.67	3.95	1,480
4.23-4.37		380			3.32		4.26			1,359		340	3.36	4.26	1,215
4.43-4.70		320			5.48		4.45			1,083		320	5.48	4.45	1,083
4.74-4.74		421			3.61		4.74			1,301		421	3.62	4.74	1,301
4.77-4.78		59			6.07		4.77			182		53	6.06	4.77	162
4.89-4.89		453			2.6		4.89			1,330		452	2.6	4.89	1,330
4.92-10.01		816			3.69		5.77			1,680		801	3.64	5.75	1,665
		3,635			3.67		4.5			$	12,109	3,573	3.66	4.49	$	11,930
Excluded from the table above are 0.1 million options, with a weighted average grant date fair value of $0.81, assumed as part of the acquisition of Ozmo.
The number of options exercisable under Atmel's stock option plans at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were 3.6 million, 6.2 million and 6.4 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the number of stock options that were forfeited, but were not available for future stock option grants due to the expiration of these shares under the 1986 Stock Plan was not material.
For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the number of stock options that were exercised were 3.0 million, 1.2 million and 4.3 million, respectively, which had a total intrinsic value at the date of exercise of $9.4 million, $4.8 million and $42.0 million, respectively, and had an aggregate exercise price of $12.2 million, $4.6 million and $19.3 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2013, total unearned compensation expense related to unvested stock options was approximately $0.3 million, excluding forfeitures, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.5 year.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under the 1991 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“1991 ESPP”) and 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2010 ESPP” and, together with the 1991 ESPP, the “Company’s ESPPs”), qualified employees are entitled to purchase shares of Atmel’s common stock at the lower of 85% of the fair market value of the common stock at the date of commencement of the 6-month offering period or 85% of the fair market value on the last day of the offering period. Purchases are limited to 10% of an employee’s eligible compensation subject to a maximum annual employee contribution limit of $25,000 of the market value of the shares (determined at the time the share is granted) per calendar year.
There were 0.8 million shares purchased under the 1991 ESPP for the years ended December 31, 2011 at an average price per share of $4.85. The 1991 ESPP was superseded by the 2010 ESPP in the three months ended March 31, 2011. There were 1.9 million, 1.8 million and 0.7 million shares purchased under the 2010 ESPP for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 at an average price per share of $5.52, $6.19 and $8.56, respectively. Of the 25.0 million shares authorized for issuance under the 2010 ESPP, 20.6 million shares were available for issuance at December 31, 2013.
The fair value of each purchase under the Company’s ESPPs is estimated on the date of the beginning of the offering period using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following assumptions were utilized to determine the fair value of the Company’s ESPPs shares:
	Years Ended
	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Risk-free interest rate	0.1	%		0.15	%		0.12	%
Expected life (years)	0.5			0.5			0.5
Expected volatility	44	%		51	%		46	%
Expected dividend yield	—			—			—
The weighted-average fair value per share under the Company’s ESPPs for purchase periods beginning in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $1.49, $1.75 and $2.70, respectively. Cash proceeds from the issuance of shares under the Company’s ESPPs were $10.6 million, $11.0 million and $9.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Common Stock Repurchase Program
Atmel’s Board of Directors has authorized an aggregate of $1,000.0 million of funding for the Company’s common stock repurchase program since 2010. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date, and the number of shares repurchased and the timing of repurchases are based on the level of the Company’s cash balances, general business and market conditions, regulatory requirements, and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities. As of December 31, 2013, $339.5 million remained available for repurchasing common stock under this program.
During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, Atmel repurchased 12.2 million, 22.7 million and 28.8 million shares, respectively, of its common stock on the open market at an average repurchase price of $7.20, $7.92 and $10.57 per share, respectively, excluding commission, and subsequently retired those shares. Common stock and additional paid-in capital were reduced by $87.8 million, $179.6 million and $304.2 million, excluding commission, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as a result of the stock repurchases.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'
	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	Comprehensive income is defined as a change in equity of a company during a period, from transactions and other events and circumstances excluding transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The primary difference between net income and comprehensive income for the Company arises from foreign currency translation adjustments, actuarial loss related to defined benefit pension plans and net unrealized loss on investments. The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
		Foreign currency translation adjustments		Defined benefit pension plans			Change in unrealized loss on investments			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	7,725	$	1,712		$	11		$	9,448
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	3,902		(6,778		)	(946		)	(3,822		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—		—			786			786
	Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive income	3,902		(6,778		)	(160		)	(3,036		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	11,627	$	(5,066	)	$	(149	)	$	6,412
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	3,325		2,913			147			6,385
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—		—			—			—
	Net increase in other comprehensive income	3,325		2,913			147			6,385
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	14,952	$	(2,153	)	$	(2	)	$	12,797
	All amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income were related to losses on available-for-sale securities. These reclassifications impacted "interest and other income (expense), net" on the consolidated statements of operations.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Commitments
	Leases
	The Company leases its domestic and foreign sales offices under non-cancelable operating leases. These leases contain various expiration dates and renewal options. The Company also leases certain manufacturing equipment and software rights under operating leases. Total rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $24.4 million, $25.0 million and $20.1 million, respectively.
	On August 30, 2011, the Company completed the sale of its former San Jose corporate headquarters and adjacent parcels of land for an aggregate sale price of $48.5 million.
	On August 30, 2011, the Company entered into a ten-year lease of approximately $52.6 million for its current headquarters located at 1600 Technology Drive in San Jose, California (the "Technology Drive Lease").
	Aggregate non-cancelable future minimum rental payments under operating leases, including manufacturing equipment and software rights, are as follows:
	Years Ending December 31:	Operating
		Leases
		(In thousands)
	2014	$	9,015
	2015	7,631
	2016	7,367
	2017	6,740
	2018	6,332
	Thereafter	22,480
		$	59,565
	Indemnification
	As is customary in the Company’s industry, the Company’s standard contracts provide remedies to its customers, such as defense, settlement, or payment of judgment for intellectual property claims related to the use of the Company’s products. From time to time, the Company will indemnify customers against combinations of loss, expense, or liability arising from various trigger events related to the sale and the use of the Company’s products and services, usually up to a specified maximum amount. In addition, as permitted under state laws in the United States, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its officers and directors and certain employees, and the Company’s bylaws permit the indemnification of the Company’s agents. The estimated fair value of the liability is not material.
	Purchase Commitments
	At December 31, 2013, the Company, or its affiliates, had certain non-cancellable commitments which were not included on the consolidated balance sheets at that date. These include the outstanding capital purchase commitments of approximately $5.3 million and wafer purchase commitments of approximately $36.8 million.
	Contingencies
	Legal Proceedings
	The Company is party to various legal proceedings. Management currently believes that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations and statements of cash flows. If an unfavorable ruling were to occur in any of the legal proceedings described below or other legal proceedings that were not deemed material as of December 31, 2013, there exists the possibility of a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The Company has accrued for losses related to litigation that it considers probable and for which the loss can be reasonably estimated. In the event that a probable loss cannot be reasonably estimated, it has not accrued for such losses. Management makes a determination as to when a potential loss is reasonably possible based on relevant accounting literature and then includes appropriate disclosure of the contingency. As the Company continues to monitor litigation matters, whether deemed material as of December 31, 2013 or not, its determination could change, however, and the Company may decide, at some future date, to establish an appropriate reserve.
	French Insolvency-Related Litigation - LFoundry and Atmel Rousset. In June 2010, our French subsidiary, Atmel Rousset S.A.S. (“Atmel Rousset”), sold its wafer manufacturing facility in Rousset, France to LFoundry GmbH (“LF”). In connection with this transaction, Atmel Rousset also executed, among other agreements, a take-or-pay supply agreement (the “Supply Agreement”) requiring Atmel Rousset or its affiliates to purchase wafers from LF’s subsidiary, LFoundry Rousset S.A.S. (“LFR”), which operates the facility; Atmel Rousset’s commitment under that Supply Agreement was fully satisfied in mid-2013. On June 26, 2013, LFR filed an insolvency declaration with the Commercial Court of Paris (the “Paris Court”). Two months later, on August 22, 2013, Atmel Rousset received a petition through which LFR, by its judicially-appointed receivers and administrator (collectively, “Administrator”), sought to extend the bankruptcy proceedings to include Atmel Rousset. On February 12, 2014, the Paris Court rejected the Administrator’s petition in its entirety.
	French Insolvency-Related Litigation - LFoundry and Atmel Corporation, et al. On June 26, 2013, LFR filed an insolvency declaration with the Paris Court, as described above under “Legal Proceedings - French Insolvency-Related Litigation - LFoundry and Atmel Rousset.” On September 6, 2013, LFR’s judicially-appointed receivers submitted a further petition to the Paris Court seeking to hold the Company and its subsidiary Atmel B.V. jointly and severally liable to LFR for damages in the approximate amount of 135.0 million Euros. LFR alleges that the Company and Atmel B.V. defrauded LFR (x) in connection with Atmel Rousset’s 2010 sale of its manufacturing facility to LF, the German parent of LFR, and (y) through their business conduct with LFR after the sale. The Company and Atmel B.V. consider LFR’s claims specious, defamatory and devoid of merit for at least the following reasons: (a) neither was a party to the sale transaction or the supply agreement executed in conjunction with the transaction; (b) the sale transaction, when consummated in 2010, fully complied with all applicable French laws; (c) the assets transferred by Atmel Rousset to LFR had a net value at the time of sale in excess of 80 million Euros, as confirmed, prior to the sale, by an independent auditor appointed by the Paris Court; (d) LFR assumed no debt in connection with the transaction; (e) LF was, at the time of the transaction, a financially stable and experienced foundry operator; (f) Atmel Rousset’s Workers’ Council (representing all Atmel Rousset employees prior to the sale), after receiving detailed information about LF and the transaction, and the analysis of its own independent financial expert, unanimously approved the transaction; (g) Atmel Rousset (or its affiliates) fully satisfied its commitment to purchase wafers from LFR, as acknowledged by LFR, by mid-2013; (h) in the three years after the sale, LFR received from Atmel Rousset (or present and past affiliates) payments for wafers and other services aggregating more than $400.0 million; and (i) any failure by LFR to diversify its revenue stream or reduce its dependence on Atmel Rousset over the course of three years resulted solely from ineffectual LFR management. The Company and Atmel B.V. intend to defend themselves vigorously in this matter, and included in their responsive submission a counterclaim against the receivers for abuse of process. On December 26, 2013, LFR suspended operations and commenced a judicially-supervised liquidation. It is not yet clear what impact, if any, LFR’s liquidation will have on this litigation.
	Other Contingencies
	From time to time, the Company is notified of claims that its products may infringe patents, or other intellectual property, issued to or owned by other parties. The Company periodically receives demands for indemnification from its customers with respect to intellectual property matters. The Company also periodically receives claims relating to the quality of its products, including claims for additional labor costs, costs for replacing defective parts, reimbursement to customers for damages incurred in correcting defective products, costs for product recalls or other damages. Receipt of these claims and requests occurs in the ordinary course of the Company's business, and the Company responds based on the specific circumstances of each event. The Company undertakes an accrual for losses relating to those types of claims when it considers those losses “probable” and when a reasonable estimate of loss can be determined.
	Product Warranties
	The Company accrues for warranty costs based on historical trends of product failure rates and the expected material and labor costs to provide warranty services. The Company’s products are generally covered by a warranty typically ranging from 30 days to three years.
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the product warranty liability:
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	4,832		$	5,746		$	4,019
	Accrual for warranties during the period, net	2,203			3,672			7,383
	Actual costs incurred	(3,349		)	(4,586		)	(5,656		)
	Balance at end of period	$	3,686		$	4,832		$	5,746
	Product warranty liability is included in accrued and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Guarantees
	In the ordinary course of business, the Company may provide standby letters of credit or other guarantee instruments to certain parties as required for certain transactions initiated by either the Company or its subsidiaries. The Company has not recorded any liability in connection with these guarantee arrangements. Based on historical experience and information currently available, the Company believes it will not be required to make any payments under these guarantee arrangements.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES
	The components of income (loss) before income taxes were as follows:
			Years Ended
			31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12				31-Dec-11
			(in thousands)
	U.S.		$	25,648			$	(19,956	)		$	125,905
	Foreign		(26,161		)		62,194				255,285
	Income (loss) before income taxes		$	(513	)		$	42,238			$	381,190
	The provision for (benefit from) income taxes consists of the following:
					Years Ended
					31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12				31-Dec-11
					(in thousands)
	Federal		Current		$	4,805			$	10,378			$	2,454
			Deferred		(10,220		)		4,501				5,982
	State		Current		35				(5		)		172
			Deferred		(124		)		(494		)		(2,064		)
	Foreign		Current		25,362				3,757				18,979
			Deferred		1,684				(6,344		)		40,677
	Provision for income taxes				$	21,542			$	11,793			$	66,200
	The Company's effective tax rate differs from the U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate as follows:
			Years Ended
			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12			31-Dec-11
	U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State tax		3.56			(0.23	)		0.22
	Effect of foreign operations		(3,979.63	)		(2.55	)		(15.52	)
	Recognition of tax credits		875.54			(10.04	)		(2.95	)
	Change of valuation allowance		(295.93	)		1.04			(0.09	)
	Audit settlements and IRS refunds		(828.85	)		—			0.2
	Other, net (1)		(4.15	)		4.7			0.51
	Effective tax provision rate		(4,194.46	)%		27.92	%		17.37	%
	-1	Other included items such as permanent differences, return to provision true up, withholding taxes, sale of business, and nondeductible stock compensation.
	For the year ended December 31, 2013, the effective tax rate was higher than the 35% U.S. Federal statutory rate, primarily due to a discrete tax reserve of $11.5 million related to an ongoing foreign audit and an income tax provision of $4.2 million as a result of a foreign audit settlement.
	For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the significant components of the tax provision were from operations in jurisdictions with operating profits. The Company's effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 was lower than the US federal statutory income tax rate of 35%, primarily due to income recognized in lower tax rate jurisdictions.
	Deferred income taxes
	The tax effects of temporary differences that constitute significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below:
			31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12
			(in thousands)
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Net operating losses		$	46,723			$	53,500
	Research and development, foreign tax and other tax credits		75,770				55,051
	Accrued liabilities		30,599				31,519
	Fixed assets		46,109				42,711
	Intangible assets		10,555				8,331
	Deferred income		5,261				5,007
	Share-based compensation		5,889				9,084
	Unrealized foreign exchange translation		1,109				4,801
	Other		970				4,878
	Total deferred income tax assets		222,985				214,882
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Fixed assets		—				(55		)
	Deferred income		—				(846		)
	Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries		—				(2,548		)
	Foreign losses subject to recapture		(12,054		)		(14,837		)
	Other		—				(267		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(12,054		)		(18,553		)
	Less valuation allowance		(41,321		)		(41,271		)
	Net deferred income tax assets		$	169,610			$	155,058
	Reported as:
	Current deferred tax assets(1)		$	35,493			$	53,105
	Current deferred tax liabilities(2)		(208		)		(304		)
	Non-current deferred tax assets(3)		134,365				102,315
	Non-current deferred tax liabilities(4)		(40		)		(58		)
	Net deferred income tax assets		$	169,610			$	155,058
_________________________________________
-1	Included within prepaids and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
-2	Included within accrued and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
-3	Included within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
-4	Included within other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Similar to the Company's position during the fourth quarter of 2012, it concluded that it was more likely than not that it would be able to realize the benefit of a significant portion of its deferred tax assets in the future, except certain assets related to state and some foreign net operating losses and state tax credits, including R&D credit carryforwards. As a result, the Company continues to provide a full valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets relating to those items for year ended December 31, 2013.
As a result of certain realization requirements of the accounting standard for stock-based compensation, the table of deferred tax assets and liabilities shown above does not include deferred tax assets that arose directly from tax deductions related to equity compensation in excess of compensation recognized for financial reporting. The Company uses the "with and without" method to determine the order in which tax attributes are utilized. The Company only recognizes excess tax benefits from share-based awards in additional paid-in capital if an incremental tax benefit is realized from a reduction in taxes payable, after all other tax attributes currently available to the Company have been utilized. In addition, the Company accounts for the indirect effects of share-based awards on other tax attributes, such as research tax credits, through the consolidated statements of operations. The tax benefit realized from excess stock options exercised and restricted stock units vested during 2013 were $2.3 million.
As of December 31, 2013, income taxes were provided on the undistributed earnings in Atmel Munich, Atmel Rousset, Atmel Nantes, Atmel BV, Atmel Semiconductor Technology, Ozmo UK, Temic Semiconductor Test, Atmel Switzerland, and Atmel SARL. In determining the tax liability, the Company has accounted for potential gross-up of foreign taxes and expected foreign tax credits determined on the basis of U.S. tax rules governing earnings and profits computations in these jurisdictions. The Company continues to assert indefinite re-investment with respect to the earnings and profits of its other foreign subsidiaries (other than earnings subject to current U.S. tax under subpart F or Section 956 of the Internal Revenue Code) amounting to approximately $177.8 million as it is currently the Company's intention to reinvest these earnings indefinitely in operations outside the U.S. The Company estimates that its U.S. cash needs will be met from its prospective business operations and it will not need to repatriate cash (earnings) from its foreign jurisdictions to the U.S.
The Company's tax attribute carry forwards as of December 31, 2013 consist of the following:
Tax Attributes	31-Dec-13				Nature of Expiration
	(in thousands)
Foreign net operating loss carry forwards	$	219,503			beginning of 2014
Federal net operating loss carry forwards	$	19,336			beginning of 2025
State net operating loss carry forwards	$	511,749			2014-2033
Federal R&D credits, net of those related to stock option deductions	$	9,925			beginning of 2019
Federal R&D credits related to stock option deductions	$	32,171			beginning of 2019
State R&D credits	$	18,605			indefinite
Foreign tax credits	$	45,583			beginning of 2017
State investment tax credits	$	1,925			beginning of 2014
Foreign R&D credits	$	44,344			refundable
The Company believes it may not be able to utilize portions of the net operating loss carry forwards in non-U.S. jurisdictions before they expire, starting in 2014.
Unrecognized tax benefits
The Company recognizes uncertain tax positions only to the extent that management believes that it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained. The reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits (UTBs) is as follows:
		Years Ended
		31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12				31-Dec-11
		(in thousands)
Balance at January 1		$	72,692			$	67,967			$	63,593
Tax Positions Related to Current Year:
Additions		13,201				10,270				8,794
Tax Positions Related to Prior Years:
Additions		58,253				793				—
Reductions		(13,836		)		(1,877		)		(568		)
Lapse of statute of limitation		(7,152		)		(4,314		)		(1,672		)
Settlements		(3,652		)		(147		)		(2,180		)
Balance at December 31		$	119,506			$	72,692			$	67,967
Included in the UTBs at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, are $43.4 million, $27.2 million and $25.2 million, respectively, of tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. Also included in the balance of UTBs at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, are $44.1 million, $45.5 million and $42.8 million, respectively, of tax benefits that, if recognized, would result in adjustments to other tax accounts, primarily deferred tax assets.
The table above includes UTBs associated with the refundable foreign R&D credits, including additions and reductions for income tax audits or expiration of the related statute of limitations.
Increases or decreases in UTBs could occur over the next twelve months due to tax law changes, UTBs established in the normal course of business, or the conclusion of ongoing tax audits in various jurisdictions around the world. The Company believes that before December 31, 2014, it is reasonably possible that either certain audits will conclude or the statutes of limitations relating to certain income tax examination periods will expire, or both. As such, after the Company reaches settlement with the tax authorities, the Company expects to record a corresponding adjustment to its UTBs. Given the uncertainty as to settlement terms, the timing of payments and the impact of such settlements on other uncertain tax positions, the range of estimated potential decreases in underlying uncertain tax positions is between $0 and $29.0 million in the next twelve months. The calculation of UTBs involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex global tax regulations. The Company regularly assesses its tax positions in light of legislative, bilateral tax treaty, regulatory and judicial developments in the countries in which the Company does business.
Income tax audits
The Company files U.S., state, and foreign income tax returns in jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. The 2001 through 2013 tax years generally remain subject to examination by federal and most state tax authorities. For significant foreign jurisdictions, the 2001 through 2013 tax years generally remain subject to examination by their respective tax authorities.
During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company was able to complete negotiations and to conclude a foreign income tax audit for years 2007 to 2009, primarily related to transfer pricing. As a result of the settlement of this audit, the Company recorded $4.2 million of income tax including interest and penalties.
In the year ended December 31, 2013, a foreign tax authority completed its field examination on tax year 2010 for one of the Company's foreign subsidiaries and issued a preliminary audit assessment report. The Company plans to file a protest with the appeal office of the foreign tax authority. The Company believes that its reserves for UTBs are adequate to cover any potential settlements that may result from this examination. However, given the unpredictable nature of the appeals process, it is reasonably possible that the Company's UTBs related to these tax positions could change within the next twelve months.
As of the date of this Form 10-K, the Company has tax audits in progress in various other foreign jurisdictions. To the extent the final tax liabilities are different from the amounts originally accrued, the increases or decreases are recorded as income tax expense or benefit in the consolidated statements of operations. While the Company believes that the resolution of these audits will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's results of operations, the outcome is subject to uncertainty.
The Company's policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in its income tax provision. In the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized expense related to interest and penalties in the consolidated statements of operations of $2.8 million, $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The total amount of interest and penalties accrued on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $1.8 million.

PENSION_PLANS

PENSION PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense [Abstract]	'
PENSION PLANS	'
	PENSION PLANS
	The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of its French and German employees. Plan benefits are provided in accordance with local statutory requirements. Benefits are based on years of service and employee compensation levels. The plans are unfunded. Pension liabilities and charges are based upon various assumptions, updated annually, including discount rates, future salary increases, employee turnover, and mortality rates.
	The Company’s French pension plan provides for termination benefits paid to covered French employees only at retirement, and consists of approximately one to five months of salary. The Company’s German pension plan provides for defined benefit payouts for covered German employees following retirement.
	The aggregate net pension expense relating to these two plans are as follows:
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Service costs	$	1,795		$	1,290		$	1,289
	Interest costs	1,430			1,447			1,326
	Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	376			(55		)	67
	Settlement and other related gain	(59		)	(12		)	(726		)
	Curtailment gain	(1,607		)	—			—
	Net pension period cost	$	1,935		$	2,670		$	1,956
	Settlement and other related gains for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were insignificant. Settlement and other related gains of $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 related to restructuring activity in the Company’s Rousset, France operations initiated in the second quarter of 2010. Curtailment gain of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 related to restructuring activity in the Company’s Rousset and Nantes operations in France and was recorded as a credit to restructuring charges upon termination of the affected employees during the fourth quarter of 2013.
	The change in projected benefit obligation and the accumulated benefit obligation, were as follows:
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
		(in thousands)
	Projected benefit obligation at beginning of the year	$	40,621		$	29,751
	Service costs	1,795			1,290
	Interest costs	1,430			1,447
	Settlement	(59		)	(12		)
	Curtailment gain	(1,607		)	—
	Actuarial (gain) loss	(3,460		)	9,196
	Benefits paid	(322		)	(360		)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes	518			(691		)
	Projected benefit obligation at end of the year	$	38,916		$	40,621
	Accumulated benefit obligation at end of the year	$	35,761		$	34,216
	As the defined benefit plans are unfunded, the liability recognized on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 was $38.9 million, of which $0.5 million is included in accrued and other liabilities and $38.4 million is included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The liability recognized on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 was $40.6 million, of which $0.5 million is included in accrued and other liabilities and $40.1 million is included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the plans were as follows:
		Years Ended
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12	31-Dec-11
	Assumed discount rate	3.1-4.0%		2.7-3.9%	4.6-5.3%
	Assumed compensation rate of increase	2.4-3.0%		2.4-3.0%	2.5-3.0%
	The discount rate is based on the quarterly average yield for Euros treasuries with a duration of 30 years, plus a supplement for corporate bonds (Euros, AA rating).
	Future estimated expected benefit payments over the next 10 years are as follows:
	Years Ending December 31:
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	474
	2015	625
	2016	695
	2017	1,053
	2018	905
	2019 through 2023	9,614
		$	13,366
	The Company’s pension liability represents the present value of estimated future benefits to be paid.
	With respect to the Company’s unfunded pension plans in Europe, for the year ended December 31, 2013, a change in assumed discount rate and compensation rate used to calculate the present value of pension obligation resulted in a decrease in pension liability of $2.9 million, which was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity.
	The Company’s net pension period cost for 2014 is expected to be approximately $3.2 million. Cash funding for benefits paid was $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company expects total contribution to these plans to be approximately $0.5 million in 2014.
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of net actuarial gain of $2.9 million and loss of $6.8 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Net actuarial gains are expected to be minimal and will be recognized as a component of net periodic pension benefit cost during 2014, which is included in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2013.

OPERATING_AND_GEOGRAPHICAL_SEG

OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS	'
	OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS
	The Company designs, develops, manufactures and sells semiconductor integrated circuit products. The Company’s segments represent management’s view of the Company’s businesses and how it allocates Company resources and measures performance of its major components. Each segment consists of product families with similar requirements for design, development and marketing. Each segment requires different design, development and marketing resources to produce and sell products. Atmel’s four operating and reportable segments are as follows:
	•	Microcontrollers. This segment includes AVR 8-bit and 32-bit products, ARM based products, capacitive touch products, including maXTouch and QTouch, 8051 based products, XSense products and designated wireless products, including low power radio and SOC products that meet Zigbee and Wi-Fi specifications.
	•	Nonvolatile Memories. This segment includes electrically erasable programmable read-only ("EEPROM") and erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”) devices. In the third quarter of 2012, the Company sold its Serial Flash product line.
	•	Radio Frequency (“RF”) and Automotive. This segment includes mixed signal, high voltage and connectivity products for automotive applications, RF identification products and foundry services.
	•	Application Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”). This segment includes custom application specific integrated circuits designed to meet specialized single-customer requirements, including products that provide hardware security for embedded digital systems, application specific and standard products for aerospace applications, power management and secure cryptographic memory products.
	The Company evaluates segment performance based on revenue and income or loss from operations excluding non-recurring items. Because the Company’s segments reflect the manner in which management reviews its business, they necessarily involve subjective judgments that management believes are reasonable in light of the circumstances under which they are made. These judgments may change over time or may be modified to reflect new facts or circumstances. Segments may also be changed or modified to reflect products, technologies or applications that are newly created, or that change over time, or other business conditions that evolve, each of which may result in reassessing specific segments and the elements included within each of those segments.
	Segments are defined by the products they design and sell. They do not sell to each other. The Company’s net revenue and segment (loss) income from operations for each reportable segment is as follows:
	Information about Reportable Segments
		Micro-			Nonvolatile			RF and			ASIC		Total
		Controllers			Memories			Automotive
		(in thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Net revenue from external customers	$	896,916		$	114,264		$	182,857		$	192,410	$	1,386,447
	Segment income (loss) from operations	(23,427		)	16,005			21,837			55,243		69,658
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Net revenue from external customers	$	892,839		$	170,736		$	174,237		$	194,298	$	1,432,110
	Segment income (loss) from operations	22,994			21,057			(12,004		)	42,496		74,543
	Year ended December 31, 2011
	Net revenue from external customers	$	1,113,579		$	255,683		$	202,013		$	231,778	$	1,803,053
	Segment income from operations	235,478			55,721			16,962			64,009		372,170
	The Company's primary products are semiconductor integrated circuits, which it has concluded constitutes a group of similar products. Therefore, it is impracticable to differentiate the revenues from external customers for each product sold. The Company does not allocate assets by segment, as management does not use asset information to measure or evaluate a segment’s performance.
	Reconciliation of Segment Information to Consolidated Statements of Operations
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Total segment income from operations	$	69,658		$	74,543		$	372,170
	Unallocated amounts:
	Acquisition-related charges	(5,534		)	(7,388		)	(5,408		)
	Restructuring charges	(50,026		)	(23,986		)	(20,064		)
	Recovery (impairment) of receivables due from foundry supplier	600			(6,495		)	—
	Settlement charges	(21,600		)	—			—
	Credit from reserved grant income	—			10,689			—
	Gain on sale of assets	4,430			—			35,310
	Consolidated income (loss) from operations	$	(2,472	)	$	47,363		$	382,008
	Geographic sources of revenue were as follows:
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	United States	$	192,878		$	189,699		$	249,887
	Germany	199,298			175,930			237,777
	France	26,270			28,343			31,231
	Japan	41,533			51,141			57,376
	China, including Hong Kong	417,617			451,642			531,561
	Singapore	44,957			41,637			42,982
	South Korea	142,476			178,547			223,967
	Taiwan	51,830			67,806			135,650
	Rest of Asia-Pacific	120,290			72,128			71,048
	Rest of Europe	128,841			149,104			193,558
	Rest of the World	20,457			26,133			28,016
	Total net revenue	$	1,386,447		$	1,432,110		$	1,803,053
	Net revenue is attributed to regions based on ship-to locations.
	The Company had one distributor and one customer that accounted for 14% and 12%, respectively, of net revenue in the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company had one distributor and one customer that accounted for 12% and 10%, respectively, of net revenue in the year ended December 31, 2012. No single customer accounted for 10% or more of net revenue in the year ended December 31, 2011. One distributor accounted for 20% of accounts receivable at December 31, 2013 and no customer accounted for 10% or more of accounts receivable at December 31, 2013. Two distributors accounted for 14% and 12%, respectively, of accounts receivable at December 31, 2012 and one customer accounted for 10% of accounts receivable at December 31, 2012.
	Physical locations of tangible long-lived assets were as follows:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	United States	$	104,912		$	85,044
	Philippines	50,472			61,594
	Germany	24,244			17,602
	France	17,249			28,000
Rest of Asia-Pacific	23,815			38,842
Rest of Europe	7,026			9,547
Total	$	227,718		$	240,629
Excluded from the table above are auction-rate securities of $1.1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, which are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Also excluded from the table above as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are goodwill of $108.2 million and $104.4 million, respectively, intangible assets, net of $28.1 million and $27.3 million, respectively, and deferred income tax assets of $134.4 million and $102.3 million, respectively.

GAIN_ON_SALE_OF_ASSETS

GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Disposal Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Gain on Sales of Assets	'
	15 SALE OF ASSETS
	Gain on Sale of Assets
		Years Ended
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-11
		(in thousands)
	Serial Flash Product Line	$	(4,430	)	$	—
	Former San Jose Corporate Headquarters	—			(33,428		)
	DREAM, France	—			(1,882		)
	Total gain on sale of assets	$	(4,430	)	$	(35,310	)
	Serial Flash Product Line
	On September 28, 2012, the Company completed the sale of its Serial Flash product line. Under the terms of the sale agreement, the Company transferred assets to the buyer, who assumed certain liabilities, in return for cash consideration of $25.0 million. As part of the sale transactions, the Company has also granted the buyer an exclusive option to purchase the Company's remaining $7.0 million of Serial Flash inventory, of which the buyer fully exercised during the first quarter of 2013. As a result of the sale of that $7.0 million of remaining inventory, the Company recorded a gain of $4.4 million in 2013 to reflect receipt of payment upon exercise of the related purchase option and the completion of the sale of the Serial Flash product line.
	Former San Jose Corporate Headquarters
	On August 30, 2011, the Company completed the sale of its former San Jose corporate headquarters and adjacent parcels of land for an aggregate sale price of $48.5 million. The net book value of the properties sold was approximately $12.3 million on the closing date and the Company recorded a gain of $33.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2011, which is summarized below:
		(in thousands)
	Sales price	$	(48,500	)
	Net book value of assets transferred	12,262
	Transaction related costs	2,810
	Gain on sale of assets	$	(33,428	)
	DREAM
	On February 15, 2011, the Company sold its DREAM business, including its French subsidiary, Digital Research in Electronics, Acoustics and Music SAS (DREAM), which sold custom-designed ASIC chips for karaoke and other entertainment machines, for $2.3 million. The Company recorded a gain of $1.9 million in 2011.

RESTRUCTURING_CHARGES

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES	'
	RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the accrual for restructuring charges detailed by event:
		Q2'10			Q2'12			Q4'12			Q1'13			Q3'13			Total 2013 Activity
		(in thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2013 - Restructuring Accrual	$	439		$	7,418		$	8,365		$	—		$	—		$	16,222
	Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	—			(13		)	(1,720		)	44,084			2,043			44,394
	Charges - Other	—			—			—			453			—			453
	Payments - Employee termination costs	(158		)	(6,508		)	(6,400		)	(21,873		)	(723		)	(35,662		)
	Payments - Other	—			—			(229		)	(453		)	—			(682		)
	Foreign exchange (gain) loss	—			—			(16		)	738			(6		)	716
	Balance at December 31, 2013 - Restructuring Accrual	$	281		$	897		$	—		$	22,949		$	1,314		$	25,441
	Non-cash charges (see discussion below)	$	—		$	—		$	68		$	5,111		$	—		$	5,179
		Q3'08			Q2'10			Q2'12			Q4'12			Total 2012 Activity
		(in thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2012 - Restructuring Accrual	$	301		$	1,846		$	—		$	—		$	2,147
	Charges - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	—			924			11,724			10,843			23,491
	Charges - Other	—			—			—			495			495
	Payments - Employee termination costs	(301		)	(1,902		)	(4,486		)	(2,973		)	(9,662		)
	Foreign exchange (gain) loss	—			(429		)	180			—			(249		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012 - Restructuring Accrual	$	—		$	439		$	7,418		$	8,365		$	16,222
		Q3'02			Q2'08			Q3'08			Q1'09			Q2'10			Total 2011 Activity
		(in thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2011 - Restructuring Accrual	$	1,592		$	3		$	460		$	136		$	1,286		$	3,477
	Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	—			(3		)	—			—			21,659			21,656
	Credits - Other	(1,592		)	—			—			—			—			(1,592		)
	Payments - Employee termination costs	—			—			—			—			(21,461		)	(21,461		)
	Payments - Other	—			—			—			(136		)	—			(136		)
	Currency translation adjustment	—			—			15			—			1,165			1,180
	Foreign exchange gain	—			—			(174		)	—			(803		)	(977		)
	Balance at December 31, 2011 - Restructuring Accrual	$	—		$	—		$	301		$	—		$	1,846		$	2,147
	The Company records restructuring liabilities related to workforce reductions when the accounting recognition criteria are met and consistent with management's approval and commitment to the restructuring plans in each particular quarter. The restructuring plans identify the number of employees to be terminated, job classifications and functions, location and the date the plan is expected to be completed.
	2013 Restructuring Charges
	Restructuring charges were recorded in the first and third quarters of 2013. The charge in the first quarter of 2013 was primarily related to workforce reductions at our subsidiaries in Rousset, France ("Rousset"), Nantes, France (“Nantes”), and Heilbronn, Germany ("Heilbronn"). The charge in the third quarter of 2013 related primarily to workforce reduction in the U.S. and Norway.
	Rousset and Nantes
	In 2013, each of Rousset and Nantes restructured operations to further align operating expenses with macroeconomic conditions and revenue outlooks, and to improve operational efficiency, competitiveness and business profitability. In connection with formulating this restructuring plan, during the first quarter of 2013, Rousset and Nantes each confidentially negotiated and developed “social plans” in coordination and consultation with their respective local Works Councils, subject to French law; these social plans set forth general parameters, terms and benefits for employee dismissals, both voluntary and involuntary. The restructuring charges related to Rousset and Nantes were $32.9 million, including net non-cash charges of $5.1 million. Total net non-cash charges comprised impairment charges of $6.7 million, which was partially offset by pension curtailment gain of $1.6 million, as discussed further below.
	Substantially all of the affected employees ceased active service as of December 31, 2013. There were no significant changes to the plan and no material modifications or changes were made after implementation began.
	The Company vacated a building in Rousset, France in September 2013. Due to ongoing restructuring activities, the Company evaluated the carrying value of this building and a building located in Greece which is also no longer used in operations. Based on this evaluation, the Company determined that the Rousset and Greece buildings with carrying amounts of $10.1 million and $2.7 million, respectively, were impaired and wrote them down to their estimated fair value of $5.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Total impairment charges of $6.7 million were recorded as restructuring expense. Fair value was based on independent third-party appraisal or estimated selling price.
	As a result of these workforce reductions, the Company recognized pension curtailment gain of $1.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 upon termination of the affected employees. Such amount was recorded as a credit to the total restructuring expense in 2013.
	Heilbronn
	In 2013, Heilbronn, and a related site in Ulm, Germany, restructured operations to further align operating expenses with macroeconomic conditions and revenue outlooks, and to improve operational efficiency, competitiveness and business profitability. In connection with formulating this restructuring plan, initial discussions with local Works Councils in Heilbronn and Ulm began in the first quarter of 2013. The restructuring charges related to Heilbronn were $15.8 million.
	The Company anticipates all affected employees will cease active service on or before the end of the fourth quarter of 2014. The Company is not expecting significant changes to the plan or material modifications or changes after implementation.
	The restructuring charges recorded in the first quarter of 2013 also included $0.9 million relating to U.S. and other countries.
	U.S. and Norway
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2013 were primarily related to workforce reductions in the U.S. and Norway amounting to $2.0 million. The workforce reductions were designed to further align operating expenses with macroeconomic conditions and revenue outlook, and to improve operational efficiency, competitiveness and business profitability. Restructuring charges related to these workforce reductions either were paid to affected employees after their dismissal dates in 2013 or, to the extent affected employees' dismissal dates are expected to occur in 2014, the Company anticipates payments in respect of these restructuring charges will be made after the actual scheduled dismissal date for those employees.
	There have been no significant changes to the plan, and no material modifications or changes have been made after the implementation began.
	2012 Restructuring Charges
	Restructuring charges were recorded in the second and fourth quarters of 2012. The charge in the second quarter of 2012 related primarily to workforce reductions at the Company's subsidiaries in Heilbronn and in the U.S. The charge in the fourth quarter of 2012 related primarily to workforce reductions in the U.S. and at certain European and Asian subsidiaries.
	Heilbronn
	In connection with formulating a workforce-reduction plan in Heilbronn, initial discussions with the local Works Council began in the first quarter of 2012. The workforce reduction was intended to improve Heilbronn's operating efficiency, competitiveness and business profitability. The restructuring charges recorded in 2012 related to Heilbronn were $8.5 million.
	Substantially all of the affected employees ceased active service as of December 31, 2013. There were no significant changes to the plan and no material modifications or changes were made after implementation began.
	U.S. and other locations
	With respect to the restructuring charge recorded in the second quarter of 2012, the Company started formulating the underlying restructuring plan during the second quarter. With respect to the restructuring charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company started formulating the underlying restructuring plan during the third quarter. These workforce reductions were designed to further align the Company's global operating expenses with macroeconomic conditions and revenue outlooks, and to improve operational efficiency, competitiveness and business profitability. The restructuring charges recorded in 2012 related to U.S. and other locations were $14.6 million, including $0.5 million related to a building lease termination.
	All affected employees have ceased active service. There were no significant changes to the plans and no material modifications or changes were made after implementation began.
	2011 Restructuring Charges
	Restructuring charges recorded in 2011 totaling $21.7 million were related to workforce reductions at the Company's subsidiary in Rousset. The reductions were part of an operational restructuring intended to reflect changes to, and significant deterioration in, Rousset's ASICs business and to improve competitiveness. Also, the Company recorded a restructuring credit of $1.6 million in 2011 in connection with the resolution of a litigation matter related to the Company's earlier sale of a manufacturing facility in Irving, Texas.
	In connection with formulating the workforce-reduction plan, during the first quarter of 2011, Rousset confidentially negotiated and developed a “social plan” in coordination and consultation with the local Works Council, subject to French law. The social plan set forth general parameters, terms and benefits for employee dismissals, both voluntary and involuntary.
	All affected employees have ceased active service. There were no significant changes to the plan and no material modifications or changes to the plan after implementation began.

LOSS_FROM_FOUNDRY_PARTNERS

LOSS FROM FOUNDRY PARTNERS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
LOSS FROM FOUNDRY PARTNERS	'
	LOSS FROM EUROPEAN FOUNDRY ARRANGEMENTS
	In December 2008, Atmel and a subsidiary entered into a take-or-pay agreement to purchase wafers from a European foundry that had acquired one of its former European manufacturing operations. In connection with the anticipated expiration of this agreement, the Company notified customers, in the fourth quarter of 2012, of its end-of-life process and requested that customers provide to the Company last-time-buy orders. To the extent that the Company believes it has excess wafers that remain after satisfying anticipated customer demand, the Company estimated a probable loss for those excess wafers, which was approximately $10.6 million. The Company, therefore, recorded a charge in that amount to cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012. During 2013, the Company recognized a charge to cost of revenue of $7.4 million, which comprised a write-off of excess wafers in the amount of $10.4 million and a write-off of wafer prepayment in the amount of $1.9 million, which were partially offset by a reduction of a previously recorded liability from a take-or-pay arrangement for $4.9 million. These transactions resulted from the insolvencies of two of the Company's foundry suppliers.
	In June 2010, in connection with the sale of one of the Company's former European manufacturing operations, the Company leased facilities to the acquirer of those operations and has charged that acquirer rent and other occupancy costs. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a loss of $6.5 million on receivables from that tenant based on financial and other circumstances affecting the collectibility of those receivables, which is reflected under the caption of "impairment of receivables from foundry supplier" in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012.

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE

NET INCOME PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
NET INCOME PER SHARE	'
	NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
	A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share is as follows:
		Years Ended
		December 31,				December 31,			December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Net income (loss)	$	(22,055	)		$	30,445		$	314,990
	Weighted-average shares - basic	427,460				433,017			455,629
	Dilutive effect of incremental shares and share equivalents	—				4,565			7,044
	Weighted-average shares - diluted	427,460				437,582			462,673
	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic
	Net income (loss) per share - basic	$	(0.05	)		$	0.07		$	0.69
	Diluted
	Net income (loss) per share - diluted	$	(0.05	)		$	0.07		$	0.68
	The following table summarizes securities that were not included in the “Weighted-average shares - diluted” used for calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive:
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Employee stock options and restricted stock units outstanding	11,860			4,718			1,977

INTEREST_AND_OTHER_INCOME_EXPE

INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET	'
	INTEREST AND OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET
	Interest and other (expense) income, net, are summarized in the following table:
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Interest and other income (expense)	$	1,911		$	(1,358	)	$	177
	Interest expense	(2,208		)	(4,130		)	(7,028		)
	Foreign exchange transaction gains	2,256			363			6,033
	Total	$	1,959		$	(5,125	)	$	(818	)

Schedule_II

Schedule II	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule II	'
		Balance at		Charges (Credits)			Deductions-			Balance at
		Beginning		to Expense			Write-offs			End
		of Year								of Year
		(in thousands)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable:
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	11,005	$	(22	)	$	(9,057	)	$	1,926
	Year ended December 31, 2012	$	11,833	$	(18	)	$	(810	)	$	11,005
	Year ended December 31, 2011	$	11,847	$	(14	)	$	—		$	11,833
	Valuation/Allowance for deferred tax assets:
	Year ended December 31, 2013	$	41,271	$	3,402		$	(3,352	)	$	41,321
	Year ended December 31, 2012	$	38,742	$	2,935		$	(406	)	$	41,271
	Year ended December 31, 2011	$	85,755	$	(47,013	)	$	—		$	38,742

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Atmel and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates in these financial statements include provision for excess and obsolete inventory, sales return reserves, share-based compensation expense, allowances for doubtful accounts receivable, warranty accruals, estimates for useful lives associated with long-lived assets, asset impairment charges, recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets, restructuring charges, fair value of net assets held for sale, liabilities for uncertain tax positions, and deferred tax asset valuation allowances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	For certain of Atmel's financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other current assets and current liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate their fair value due to the relatively short maturity of these items. Investments in debt securities are carried at fair value based on quoted market prices. The estimated fair value has been determined by the Company using available market information. However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Atmel could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies could have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Investments with an original or remaining maturity of 90 days or less, as of the date of purchase, are considered cash equivalents, and consist of highly liquid money market instruments.
	Atmel maintains its cash balances at a variety of financial institutions and has not experienced any material losses relating to such instruments. Atmel invests its excess cash in accordance with its investment policy that has been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.
Investments	'
	Investments
	All of the Company's investments are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities with an original or remaining maturity of greater than 90 days, as of the date of purchase, are classified as short-term when they represent investments of cash that are intended for use in current operations. Investments in available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value with unrealized (losses) gains, net of related tax, included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.
	The Company's marketable securities include corporate equity securities and auction-rate securities. The Company monitors its investments for impairment periodically and recognizes an impairment charge when the decline in the fair value of these investments is judged to be other-than temporary. Significant judgment is used to identify events or circumstances that would likely have a significant adverse effect on the future use of the investment. The Company considers various factors in determining whether impairment is other-than-temporary, including the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer and the Company's ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time which may be sufficient for anticipated recovery of market value. The Company's investments include an auction-rate security with a fair value of $1.1 million at both December 31, 2013 and 2012, which is structured with short-term interest rate reset dates of either 7 days or 28 days, and contractual maturities that can be in excess of 10 years. The Company evaluates its portfolio by continuing to monitor the credit rating and interest yields of these auction-rate securities and status of reset at each auction date.
Accounts Receivable	'
	Accounts Receivable
	An allowance for doubtful accounts is calculated based on the aging of Atmel's accounts receivable, historical experience, and management judgment. Atmel writes off accounts receivable against the allowance when Atmel determines a balance is uncollectible and no longer intends to actively pursue collection of the receivable. The Company's bad debt expenses (recoveries) were not material for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out basis) or market. Market is based on estimated net realizable value. Determining market value of inventories involves numerous judgments, including estimating average selling prices and sales volumes for future periods. The Company establishes provisions for lower of cost or market and excess and obsolescence write-downs, which are charged to cost of revenue. The Company makes a determination regarding excess and obsolete inventory on a quarterly basis. This determination requires an estimation of the future demand for the Company’s products and involves an analysis of historical and forecasted sales levels by product, competitiveness of product offerings, market conditions, product lifecycles, as well as other factors. Excess and obsolete inventory write-downs are recorded when the inventory on hand exceeds management’s estimate of future demand for each product and are charged to cost of revenue.
	The Company’s inventories include parts that have a potential for rapid technological obsolescence and are sold in a highly competitive industry. The Company writes down inventory that is considered excess or obsolete. When the Company recognizes a loss on such inventory, it establishes a new, lower-cost basis for that inventory, and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances will not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis. If inventory with a lower-cost basis is subsequently sold, it will result in higher gross margin for the products making up that inventory.
Fixed Assets	'
	Fixed Assets
	Fixed assets are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Building and improvements	10	to	20 years
	Machinery, equipment and software	3	to	5 years
	Furniture and fixtures			5 years
	Maintenance, repairs and minor upgrades are expensed as incurred.
Investments in Privately-Held Companies	'
	Investments in Privately-Held Companies
	Periodically, the Company makes minority investments in certain privately-held companies to further its strategic objectives. Investments in privately-held companies are accounted for at historical cost or, if Atmel has significant influence over the investee, using the equity method of accounting. Atmel's proportionate share of income or losses from investments accounted for under the equity method, and any gain or loss on disposal, are recorded in interest and other income (expense), net. Investments in privately- held companies are included in other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
	For investments in privately-held companies, the Company monitors for impairment annually, or when indicators arise, and reduces their carrying values to fair value when the declines are determined to be other-than-temporary.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company sells its products to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") and distributors and recognizes revenue when the rights and risks of ownership have passed to the customer, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the product has been delivered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. Allowances for sales returns and other credits are recorded at the time of sale.
	Contracts and customer purchase orders are used to determine the existence of an arrangement. Shipping documents are used to verify delivery. The Company assesses whether the price is fixed or determinable based on the payment terms associated with the transaction and whether the sales price is subject to refund or adjustment. The Company assesses collectibility based primarily on the creditworthiness of the customer as determined by credit checks and analysis, as well as the customer's payment history. Sales terms do not include post-shipment obligations except for product warranty.
	For sales to certain distributors (primarily based in the U.S. and Europe) with agreements allowing for price protection and product returns, the Company historically has not had the ability to estimate future claims at the point of shipment, and given that price is not fixed or determinable at that time, revenue is not recognized until the distributor sells the product to its end customer. At the time of shipment to these distributors, the Company records a trade receivable for the selling price as there is a legally-enforceable right to payment, relieves inventory for the carrying value of goods shipped since legal title has passed to the distributor, and records the gross margin in deferred income on shipments to distributors on the consolidated balance sheets.
	For sales to independent distributors in Asia, excluding Japan, the Company invoices these distributors at full list price upon shipment and issues a rebate, or "credit," once product has been sold to the end customer and the distributor has met certain reporting requirements. After reviewing the more limited pricing, rebate and quotation-related terms, the Company concluded that it could reliably estimate future claims, and therefore recognized revenue at the point of shipment for its Asian distributors (excluding Japan), assuming all of the other revenue recognition criteria are met, utilizing amounts invoiced, less estimated future claims.
Grant Recognition	'
	Grant Recognition
	Subsidy grants from government organizations are amortized as a reduction of expenses over the period the related obligations are fulfilled. Recognition of future subsidy benefits will depend on the Company's achievement of certain technical milestones, capital investment spending goals, employment goals and other requirements. The Company recognized subsidy grant benefits as a reduction of either cost of revenue or research and development expenses, depending on the nature of the grant. The reduction to research and development expenses amounted to $5.0 million, $4.2 million and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The amounts recognized as a reduction of cost of revenue were not material in each of those years.
	From time to time, the Company receives economic incentive grants and allowances from European governments, agencies and research organizations targeted at preserving employment at specific locations. The subsidy grant agreements typically contain economic incentive, headcount, capital and research and development expenditures and other conditions that must be met to receive and retain grant benefits. Noncompliance with the conditions of the grants could result in the forfeiture of all or a portion of any future amounts to be received, as well as the repayment of all or a portion of amounts previously received. In addition, the Company may need to record charges to reverse grant benefits recorded in prior periods as a result of changes to its plans for headcount, project spending, or capital investment at any of these specific locations. If the Company is unable to comply with any of the conditions in the grant agreements, the Company may face adverse actions from the government agencies providing the grants. If the Company were required to repay grant benefits, its results of operations and financial position could be materially adversely affected by the amount of such repayments.
	In March 2012, the Greek government executed a ministerial decision related to an outstanding state grant previously made to a Greek subsidiary of the Company. Based on the execution of the ministerial decision and the subsequent publication of that decision by the Greek government, the Company determined that its Greek subsidiary would not be required to repay the full amount of that grant. As a result, the Company recognized a benefit of $10.7 million in its results for the year ended December 31, 2012 resulting from the reversal of a reserve previously established for that grant.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the total liability for grant benefits subject to repayment was $0.6 million and $5.1 million, respectively, and is included in accrued and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Advertising Costs	'
	Advertising Costs
	Atmel expenses all advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	Foreign Currency Translation
	Certain of Atmel's major international subsidiaries use their local currencies as their respective functional currencies. Financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at current rates, except that revenue, costs and expenses are translated at average current rates during each reporting period. The effect of translating the accounts of these foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars has been included in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity and comprehensive (loss) income as a foreign currency translation adjustment. Gains and losses from re-measurement of assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the respective functional currencies are included in the consolidated statements of operations. Gains due to foreign currency re-measurement included in interest and other income (expense), net for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $2.3 million, $0.4 million and $6.0 million, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company determines the fair value of options and ESPP shares on the measurement date utilizing an option-pricing model, which is affected by its common stock price, as well as changes in assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to: expected common stock price volatility over the term of the option awards, as well as the projected employee option exercise behaviors during the expected period between the stock option grant date and stock option exercise date. For performance-based restricted stock units, the Company is required to assess the probability of achieving certain financial objectives at the end of each reporting period. Based on the assessment of this probability, which requires subjective judgment, the Company records share-based compensation expense before the performance criteria are actually fully achieved, which may then be reversed in future periods if the Company determines that it is no longer probable that the objectives will be achieved. The expected cost of each award is reflected over the performance period and is reduced for estimated forfeitures. The fair value of a restricted stock unit is equivalent to the market price of the Company's common stock on the measurement date.
Valuation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Valuation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Goodwill is recorded when the consideration paid for an acquisition exceeds the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company reviews goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter of each year and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. While the Company is permitted to conduct a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is necessary to perform a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test, for the annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company performed a quantitative test for all of our reporting units with goodwill. The performance of the test involves a two-step process. The first step requires comparing the fair value of each of the reporting units to its net book value, including goodwill. The Company has three reporting units with goodwill, the fair values of which are determined based on an income approach, whereby the Company calculates the fair value of the reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, which are formed by evaluating operating plans. A potential impairment exists if the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its net book value. The second step of the process is only performed if a potential impairment exists, and it involves determining the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then the Company records an impairment loss equal to the difference. The Company has not been required to perform this second step of the process because the fair value of the reporting units have exceeded their net book value for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions may include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows, risk-adjusted discount rates, future economic and market conditions. Failure to achieve these expected results may cause a future impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit. In addition, the Company makes certain judgments and assumptions in allocating shared assets and liabilities to individual reporting units to determine the carrying amount for each reporting unit.
	Purchased intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the Company may not be able to recover the asset's carrying amount.
Certain Risks and Concentrations	'
	Certain Risks and Concentrations
	Atmel sells its products primarily to OEMs and distributors in North America, Europe and Asia, generally without requiring any collateral. Atmel performs ongoing credit evaluations and seeks to maintain adequate allowances for potential credit losses. One distributor accounted for 20% of accounts receivable at December 31, 2013 and no customer accounted for 10% or more of accounts receivable at December 31, 2013. Two distributors accounted for 14% and 12%, respectively, of accounts receivable at December 31, 2012 and one customer accounted for 10% of accounts receivable at December 31, 2012. The Company had one distributor and one customer that accounted for 14% and 12%, respectively, of net revenue in the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company had one distributor and one customer that accounted for 12% and 10%, respectively, of net revenue in the year ended December 31, 2012. No single customer accounted for 10% or more of net revenue in the year ended December 31, 2011.
	The semiconductor industry is characterized by rapid technological change, competitive pricing pressures and cyclical market patterns. The Company's financial results are affected by a wide variety of factors, including general economic conditions worldwide, economic conditions specific to the semiconductor industry, the timely introduction of new products and implementation of new manufacturing process technologies and the ability to safeguard patents and intellectual property in a rapidly evolving market. In addition, the semiconductor industry has historically been cyclical and subject to significant economic downturns at various times. As a result, Atmel may experience significant period-to-period fluctuations in future operating results due to the factors mentioned above or other factors. Atmel believes that its existing cash, cash equivalents and investments together with cash flow from operations and future withdrawals from a new credit facility, will be sufficient to support its liquidity and capital investment activities for the next twelve months.
	Additionally, the Company relies on a limited number of contract manufacturers to provide assembly services for its products. The inability of a contract manufacturer or supplier to fulfill supply requirements of the Company could materially affect future operating results.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company's (provision for) benefit from income tax comprises its current tax liability and change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the difference is expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that in management's judgment is more likely than not to be recoverable against future taxable income. No U.S. taxes are provided on earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries to the extent such earnings are deemed to be indefinitely reinvested.
	The Company's income tax calculations are based on application of the respective U.S. federal, state or foreign tax law. The Company's tax filings, however, are subject to audit by the relevant tax authorities. Accordingly, the Company recognizes tax liabilities based upon its estimate of whether, and the extent to which, additional taxes will be due when such estimates are more-likely-than-not to be sustained. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. To the extent the final tax liabilities are different than the amounts originally accrued, the increases or decreases are recorded as income tax expense or benefit in the consolidated statements of operations.
	In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company evaluates both positive and negative evidence that may exist and considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.
	Any adjustment to the net deferred tax asset valuation allowance would be recorded in the consolidated statements of operations for the period that the adjustment is determined to be required.
Long-Lived Assets	'
	Long-Lived Assets
	Atmel periodically evaluates the recoverability of its long-lived assets. Factors which could trigger an impairment review include the following: (i) significant negative industry or economic trends; (ii) exiting an activity in conjunction with a restructuring of operations; (iii) current, historical or projected losses that demonstrate a likelihood of continuing losses associated with an asset; (iv) significant decline in the Company's market capitalization for an extended period of time relative to net book value; (v) material changes in the Company's manufacturing model; and (vi) management's assessment of future manufacturing capacity requirements. When the Company determines that there is an indicator that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable, the assessment of possible impairment is based on the Company's ability to recover the carrying value of the asset from the expected future undiscounted pre-tax cash flows of the related operations. These estimates include assumptions about future conditions such as future revenue, gross margin, operating expenses, and the fair values of certain assets based on appraisals and industry trends. If these cash flows are less than the carrying value of such assets, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between estimated fair value and carrying value. The measurement of impairment requires management to estimate future cash flows and the fair value of long-lived assets. The evaluation is performed at the lowest levels for which there are identifiable, independent cash flows.
	Costs that the Company incurs to acquire completed product and process technology are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over three to five years. Capitalized product and process technology costs are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the technology or the term of the technology agreement.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share	'
	Net Income (Loss) Per Share
	Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed giving effect to all dilutive potential common shares that were outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential common shares consist of incremental common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options, upon vesting of restricted stock units, contingently issuable shares for all periods and assumed issuance of shares under the Company's employee stock purchase plan. No dilutive potential common shares are included in the computation of any diluted per share amount when a loss from continuing operations is reported by the Company.
Research and Development	'
	Research and Development
	Cost incurred in the research and development of Atmel's products is expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses were $266.4 million, $251.5 million and $255.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standard Board issued an Accounting Standards Update on Income Taxes, to improve the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This guidance is expected to permit a presentation that better reflects the manner in which an entity would settle at the reporting date any additional income taxes resulting from the disallowance of a tax position when net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards exist. This guidance is effective for the Company's interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company does not believe that the implementation of this authoritative guidance will have any material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of estimated useful lives of fixed assets	'
	Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Building and improvements	10	to	20 years
	Machinery, equipment and software	3	to	5 years
	Furniture and fixtures			5 years

BALANCE_SHEET_DETAILS_Tables

BALANCE SHEET DETAILS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Components of inventories	'
	Inventories are comprised of the following:
		December 31,		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Raw materials and purchased parts	$	9,547	$	19,963
	Work-in-progress	200,434		231,614
	Finished goods	64,986		96,696
		$	274,967	$	348,273
Components of prepaids and other current assets	'
	Prepaids and other current assets consist of the following:
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
		(in thousands)
	Deferred income tax assets	$	35,493	$	53,105
	Income tax receivable	8,668		6,346
	Prepaid income taxes	2,938		13,113
	Value-added tax receivable	2,734		7,144
	Other	42,401		45,311
		$	92,234	$	125,019
Components of other assets	'
	Other assets consist of the following:
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
		(in thousands)
	Deferred income tax assets, net of current portion	$	134,365	$	102,315
	Investments in privately-held companies	8,128		8,493
	Auction-rate securities	1,066		1,066
	Other	34,608		11,091
		$	178,167	$	122,965
Components of accrued and other liabilities	'
	Accrued and other liabilities consist of the following:
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
		(in thousands)
	Accrued salaries and benefits and other employee related	$	67,486	$	54,993
	Accrued restructuring	25,441		16,222
	Royalties and licenses	8,204		4,295
	Advance payments from customer	4,668		10,000
	Warranty accruals and accrued returns	4,406		10,411
	Income taxes payable	3,219		7,863
	Grants to be repaid	579		5,054
	Deferred income tax liability, current portion	208		304
	Current portion of market price adjustment to supply agreement	—		20,953
	Other	41,195		73,415
		$	155,406	$	203,510
Components of other long-term liabilities	'
	Other long-term liabilities consist of the following:
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
		(in thousands)
	Income taxes payable	$	50,334	$	26,744
	Accrued pension liability	38,418		40,087
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, less current portion	7,010		5,602
	Long-term technology license payable	3,568		—
	Advance payments from customer	—		4,668
	Other	21,397		23,078
		$	120,727	$	100,179

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_Tables

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Tables)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 07, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Ozmo Inc.

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

Schedule of Total Purchase Price [Table Text Block]

'

'

The purchase price allocation as of the closing date of the acquisition and estimated useful lives of identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows:

The total purchase price of the acquisition was as follows:

Purchase Price Allocation

Estimated Useful Lives

December 20, 2012

(in thousands)

(in thousands)

Total purchase price

$

10,263

Cash in exchange for shareholders' equity interest

$

58,165

Less:

Net tangible assets acquired

(1,374

)

Unvested shares in Ozmo

237

Intangible assets acquired:

Customer relationships

(1,200

)

3 years

Transaction expenses incurred by Ozmo

1,816

Developed technologies

(2,100

)

6 years

Backlog

(200

)

1 year or less

Long-term debt paid on behalf of Ozmo

1,415

Total intangible assets

(3,500

)

Goodwill

$

5,389

Fair value of contingent consideration (earn-out provision)

1,927

Liabilities assumed

861

Total purchase price

$

64,421

Schedule of purchase price allocation as of the closing date of the acquisition

'

'

The purchase price allocation as of the closing date of the acquisition and estimated useful lives of identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization are as follows:

Purchase Price Allocation

Estimated Useful Lives

(in thousands)

Total purchase price

$

64,421

Less:

Net tangible assets acquired

(2,805

)

Intangible assets acquired:

Customer relationships

(2,650

)

3 years

Developed technologies

(12,020

)

4

to

6 years

Non-compete agreements, tradename and backlog

(780

)

1

to

3 years

Total intangible assets

(15,450

)

Goodwill

$

46,166

INVESTMENTS_Tables

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Components of investment securities	'
	The Company’s investments are further detailed in the table below:
		December 31, 2013					December 31, 2012
		Adjusted Cost			Fair Value		Adjusted Cost		Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Corporate equity securities	$	2,687		$	2,181	$	2,687	$	2,687
	Auction-rate security	983			1,066		983		1,066
		3,670			3,247		3,670		3,753
	Unrealized gains	83					83
	Unrealized losses	(506		)			—
	Net unrealized (losses) gains	(423		)			83
	Fair value	$	3,247				$	3,753
	Amount included in short-term investments				$	2,181			$	2,687
	Amount included in other assets				1,066				1,066
					$	3,247			$	3,753
Contractual maturities (at adjusted cost) of available-for-sale debt securities	'

FAIR_VALUE_OF_ASSETS_AND_LIABI1

FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
	The tables below present the balances of investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
		December 31, 2013
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Assets
	Cash
	Money market funds	$	1,245	$	1,245	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments
	Corporate equity securities	2,181		2,181		—		—
	Other assets
	Auction-rate security	1,066		—		—		1,066
	Investment funds - Deferred compensation plan assets
	Institutional money market funds	2,225		2,225		—		—
	Fixed income	338		338		—		—
	Marketable equity securities	3,279		3,279		—		—
	Total institutional funds - Deferred compensation plan	5,842		5,842		—		—
	Total other assets	6,908		5,842		—		1,066
	Total	$	10,334	$	9,268	$	—	$	1,066
		December 31, 2012
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Assets
	Cash
	Money market funds	$	1,036	$	1,036	$	—	$	—
	Short-term investments
	Corporate equity securities	2,687		2,687		—		—
	Other assets
	Auction-rate security	1,066		—		—		1,066
	Investment funds - Deferred compensation plan assets
	Institutional money market funds	597		597		—		—
	Fixed income	902		902		—		—
	Marketable equity securities	3,479		3,479		—		—
	Total institutional funds - Deferred compensation plan	4,978		4,978		—		—
	Total other assets	6,044		4,978		—		1,066
	Total	$	9,767	$	8,701	$	—	$	1,066

FIXED_ASSETS_Tables

FIXED ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Schedule of fixed assets	'
	Fixed assets, net consist of the following:
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
		(in thousands)
	Land	$	11,464		$	14,489
	Buildings and improvements	519,114			510,468
	Machinery and equipment	918,093			966,756
	Furniture and fixtures	19,794			21,636
	Construction-in-progress	17,240			2,743
		1,485,705			1,516,092
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,300,722		)	(1,295,048		)
		$	184,983		$	221,044

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_NET_Tables

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes activities related to the carrying value of goodwill:
		Micro-			ASIC			Total
		Controllers
		(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	66,645		$	1,017		$	67,662
	Goodwill recorded in connection with acquisition	46,166			—			46,166
	Effects of foreign currency translation	(9,414		)	16			(9,398		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	103,397		$	1,033		$	104,430
	Goodwill recorded in connection with acquisition	5,389			—			5,389
	Effects of foreign currency translation	(1,625		)	46			(1,579		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	107,161		$	1,079		$	108,240
Schedule of Intangible assets, net	'
	Intangible assets, net, consist of technology licenses and acquisition-related intangible assets as follows:
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
		(in thousands)
	Licensed technology	$	23,814		$	18,123
	Accumulated amortization	(18,470		)	(16,171		)
	Total technology licenses	5,344			1,952
	Customer relationships	25,857			24,657
	Developed technologies	22,398			20,298
	Non-compete agreements, tradename and backlog	3,794			3,595
	Acquisition-related intangible assets	52,049			48,550
	Accumulated amortization	(29,277		)	(23,245		)
	Total acquisition-related intangible assets	22,772			25,305
	Total intangible assets, net	$	28,116		$	27,257
Estimated future amortization of the technology licenses and acquisition-related intangible assets	'
	The following table presents the estimated future amortization of the technology licenses and acquisition-related intangible assets:
	Years Ending December 31:	Technology			Acquisition-Related			Total
		Licenses			Intangible Assets
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	1,563		$	5,152		$	6,715
	2015	1,390			4,588			5,978
	2016	1,147			3,381			4,528
	2017	1,147			3,181			4,328
	2018	97			3,005			3,102
	Thereafter	—			3,465			3,465
	Total future amortization	$	5,344		$	22,772		$	28,116

BORROWING_ARRANGEMENTS_Tables

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Information with respect to the Company's debt and capital lease obligations	'

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Components of the company's stock-based compensation expense, net of amount capitalized in inventory	'
	The components of the Company's share-based compensation expense are summarized below:
		Years Ended
		31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12				31-Dec-11
		(in thousands)
	Employee stock options	$	1,644			$	3,470			$	5,685
	Employee stock purchase plan	2,858				3,107				2,511
	Restricted stock units	37,952				65,397				60,906
	Net amounts released from (capitalized in) inventory	670				468				(977		)
		$	43,124			$	72,442			$	68,125
Summary of the distribution of stock-based compensation expense	'
	The following table summarizes share-based compensation, net of amount capitalized in (released from) inventory, included in operating results:
		Years Ended
		December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
		(in thousands)
	Cost of revenue	$	5,889			$	8,052			$	7,840
	Research and development	14,852				22,825				22,916
	Selling, general and administrative	22,383				41,565				37,369
	Total share-based compensation expense, before income taxes	43,124				72,442				68,125
	Tax benefit	(7,707		)		(12,060		)		(10,453		)
	Total share-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	35,417			$	60,382			$	57,672
Activity under the entity's 2005 Stock Plan	'
	Activity under Atmel’s 2005 Stock Plan is set forth below:
					Outstanding Options						Weighted-
								Exercise			Average
		Available			Number of			Price			Exercise Price
		for Grant			Options			per Share			per Share
		(in thousands, except for per share data)
	Balances, December 31, 2010	11,463			12,660			$1.68-$14.94			$	4.35
	Additional shares approved for issuance	19,000			—			—			—
	Restricted stock units issued	(6,343	)		—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for restricted stock units issued	(4,017	)		—			—			—
	Performance-based restricted stock units issued	(3,474	)		—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for performance-based restricted stock units issued	(2,124	)		—			—			—
	Restricted stock units cancelled	1,025			—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for restricted stock units cancelled	793			—			—			—
	Performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	25			—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	17			—			—			—
	Options cancelled/expired/forfeited	158			(158	)		$2.11-$14.94			$	5.01
	Options exercised	—			(4,285	)		$1.80-$13.77			$	4.51
	Balances, December 31, 2011	16,523			8,217			$1.68-$10.01			$	4.26
	Restricted stock units issued	(8,507	)		—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for restricted stock units issued	(5,189	)		—			—			—
	Performance-based restricted stock units issued	(338	)		—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for performance-based restricted stock units issued	(206	)		—			—			—
	Restricted stock units cancelled	1,783			—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for restricted stock units cancelled	1,248			—			—			—
	Performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	330			—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	201			—			—			—
	Options cancelled/expired/forfeited	303			(303	)		$2.11-$8.83			$	4.05
	Options exercised	—			(1,239	)		$1.68-$8.89			$	3.76
	Balances, December 31, 2012	6,148			6,675			$1.68-$10.01			$	4.33
	Additional shares approved for issuance	25,000			—			—			—
	Restricted stock units issued	(7,922	)		—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for restricted stock units issued	(4,563	)		—			—			—
	Restricted stock units cancelled	2,084			—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for restricted stock units cancelled	1,388			—			—			—
	2014 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units issued	(1,048	)		—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for 2014 performance-based restricted stock units issued	(597	)		—			—			—
	2011 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	422			—			—			—
	Plan adjustment for 2011 performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	257			—			—			—
	Options cancelled/expired/forfeited	76			(76	)		$1.77-$7.12			$	4.95
	Options exercised	—			(2,964	)		$1.68-$7.12			$	4.12
	Balances, December 31, 2013	21,245			3,635			$2.13-$10.01			$	4.5
Activity related to restricted stock units	'
	Activity related to restricted stock units is set forth below:
		Number of			Weighted-Average Grant Date
		Units			Fair Value
		(in thousands, except for per share data)
	Balances, December 31, 2010	29,250			$	5.74
	Restricted stock units issued	6,343			$	10.88
	Restricted stock units vested	(6,345	)		$	5.2
	Restricted stock units cancelled	(1,025	)		$	6.8
	2011 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units issued	3,474			$	13.94
	2011 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units vested	(8,485	)		$	4.22
	2011 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	(25	)		$	9.77
	Balances, December 31, 2011	23,187			$	8.99
	Restricted stock units issued	8,507			$	6.11
	Restricted stock units vested	(7,975	)		$	6.8
	Restricted stock units cancelled	(1,783	)		$	7.81
	2011 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units issued	338			$	9.19
	2011 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	(330	)		$	12.31
	Balances, December 31, 2012	21,944			$	8.71
	Restricted stock units issued	7,922			$	7.36
	Restricted stock units vested	(7,271	)		$	7.3
	Restricted stock units cancelled	(2,084	)		$	8.25
	2014 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units issued	1,048			$	7.33
	2011 Plan - Performance-based restricted stock units cancelled	(422	)		$	13.5
	Balances, December 31, 2013	21,137			$	8.84
Schedule of options outstanding and exercisable, by range of exercise price	'
	Options Outstanding												Options Exercisable
	Range of		Number			Weighted-		Weighted-			Aggregate		Number	Weighted-	Weighted-	Aggregate
	Exercise		Outstanding			Average		Average			Intrinsic		Exercisable	Average	Average	Intrinsic
	Price ($)					Remaining		Exercise			Value			Remaining	Exercise	Value
						Contractual		Price ($)						Contractual	Price ($)
						Term (years)								Term (years)
	(in thousands, except for per share prices and life data)
	2.13-3.18		21			1.55		2.35			$	112	21	1.55	2.35	$	112
	3.24-3.24		413			4.29		3.24			1,896		413	4.29	3.24	1,896
	3.26-3.29		371			1.77		3.28			1,686		371	1.77	3.28	1,686
	3.32-4.20		381			4.67		3.95			1,480		381	4.67	3.95	1,480
	4.23-4.37		380			3.32		4.26			1,359		340	3.36	4.26	1,215
	4.43-4.70		320			5.48		4.45			1,083		320	5.48	4.45	1,083
	4.74-4.74		421			3.61		4.74			1,301		421	3.62	4.74	1,301
	4.77-4.78		59			6.07		4.77			182		53	6.06	4.77	162
	4.89-4.89		453			2.6		4.89			1,330		452	2.6	4.89	1,330
	4.92-10.01		816			3.69		5.77			1,680		801	3.64	5.75	1,665
			3,635			3.67		4.5			$	12,109	3,573	3.66	4.49	$	11,930
Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the Company's ESPP shares	'
	The following assumptions were utilized to determine the fair value of the Company’s ESPPs shares:
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Risk-free interest rate	0.1	%		0.15	%		0.12	%
	Expected life (years)	0.5			0.5			0.5
	Expected volatility	44	%		51	%		46	%
	Expected dividend yield	—			—			—

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated balances of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
		Foreign currency translation adjustments		Defined benefit pension plans			Change in unrealized loss on investments			Total
		(in thousands)
	Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	7,725	$	1,712		$	11		$	9,448
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	3,902		(6,778		)	(946		)	(3,822		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—		—			786			786
	Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive income	3,902		(6,778		)	(160		)	(3,036		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	11,627	$	(5,066	)	$	(149	)	$	6,412
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	3,325		2,913			147			6,385
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—		—			—			—
	Net increase in other comprehensive income	3,325		2,913			147			6,385
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	14,952	$	(2,153	)	$	(2	)	$	12,797
	All amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income were related to losses on available-for-sale securities. These reclassifications impacted "interest and other income (expense), net" on the consolidated statements of operations.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	'
	Aggregate non-cancelable future minimum rental payments under operating leases, including manufacturing equipment and software rights, are as follows:
	Years Ending December 31:	Operating
		Leases
		(In thousands)
	2014	$	9,015
	2015	7,631
	2016	7,367
	2017	6,740
	2018	6,332
	Thereafter	22,480
		$	59,565
Summary of the activity related to the product warranty liability	'
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the product warranty liability:
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Balance at beginning of period	$	4,832		$	5,746		$	4,019
	Accrual for warranties during the period, net	2,203			3,672			7,383
	Actual costs incurred	(3,349		)	(4,586		)	(5,656		)
	Balance at end of period	$	3,686		$	4,832		$	5,746

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	'
	The components of income (loss) before income taxes were as follows:
			Years Ended
			31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12				31-Dec-11
			(in thousands)
	U.S.		$	25,648			$	(19,956	)		$	125,905
	Foreign		(26,161		)		62,194				255,285
	Income (loss) before income taxes		$	(513	)		$	42,238			$	381,190
Schedule of (provision for) benefit from income taxes and the effective tax rates	'
	The provision for (benefit from) income taxes consists of the following:
					Years Ended
					31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12				31-Dec-11
					(in thousands)
	Federal		Current		$	4,805			$	10,378			$	2,454
			Deferred		(10,220		)		4,501				5,982
	State		Current		35				(5		)		172
			Deferred		(124		)		(494		)		(2,064		)
	Foreign		Current		25,362				3,757				18,979
			Deferred		1,684				(6,344		)		40,677
	Provision for income taxes				$	21,542			$	11,793			$	66,200
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	'
	The Company's effective tax rate differs from the U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate as follows:
			Years Ended
			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12			31-Dec-11
	U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State tax		3.56			(0.23	)		0.22
	Effect of foreign operations		(3,979.63	)		(2.55	)		(15.52	)
	Recognition of tax credits		875.54			(10.04	)		(2.95	)
	Change of valuation allowance		(295.93	)		1.04			(0.09	)
	Audit settlements and IRS refunds		(828.85	)		—			0.2
	Other, net (1)		(4.15	)		4.7			0.51
	Effective tax provision rate		(4,194.46	)%		27.92	%		17.37	%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
			31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12
			(in thousands)
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Net operating losses		$	46,723			$	53,500
	Research and development, foreign tax and other tax credits		75,770				55,051
	Accrued liabilities		30,599				31,519
	Fixed assets		46,109				42,711
	Intangible assets		10,555				8,331
	Deferred income		5,261				5,007
	Share-based compensation		5,889				9,084
	Unrealized foreign exchange translation		1,109				4,801
	Other		970				4,878
	Total deferred income tax assets		222,985				214,882
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Fixed assets		—				(55		)
	Deferred income		—				(846		)
	Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries		—				(2,548		)
	Foreign losses subject to recapture		(12,054		)		(14,837		)
	Other		—				(267		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(12,054		)		(18,553		)
	Less valuation allowance		(41,321		)		(41,271		)
	Net deferred income tax assets		$	169,610			$	155,058
	Reported as:
	Current deferred tax assets(1)		$	35,493			$	53,105
	Current deferred tax liabilities(2)		(208		)		(304		)
	Non-current deferred tax assets(3)		134,365				102,315
	Non-current deferred tax liabilities(4)		(40		)		(58		)
	Net deferred income tax assets		$	169,610			$	155,058
	_________________________________________
	-1	Included within prepaids and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
	-2	Included within accrued and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
	-3	Included within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
	-4	Included within other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards and Tax Credit Carryforwards	'
	The Company's tax attribute carry forwards as of December 31, 2013 consist of the following:
	Tax Attributes	31-Dec-13				Nature of Expiration
		(in thousands)
	Foreign net operating loss carry forwards	$	219,503			beginning of 2014
	Federal net operating loss carry forwards	$	19,336			beginning of 2025
	State net operating loss carry forwards	$	511,749			2014-2033
	Federal R&D credits, net of those related to stock option deductions	$	9,925			beginning of 2019
	Federal R&D credits related to stock option deductions	$	32,171			beginning of 2019
	State R&D credits	$	18,605			indefinite
	Foreign tax credits	$	45,583			beginning of 2017
	State investment tax credits	$	1,925			beginning of 2014
	Foreign R&D credits	$	44,344			refundable
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies	'
			Years Ended
			31-Dec-13				31-Dec-12				31-Dec-11
			(in thousands)
	Balance at January 1		$	72,692			$	67,967			$	63,593
	Tax Positions Related to Current Year:
	Additions		13,201				10,270				8,794
	Tax Positions Related to Prior Years:
	Additions		58,253				793				—
	Reductions		(13,836		)		(1,877		)		(568		)
	Lapse of statute of limitation		(7,152		)		(4,314		)		(1,672		)
	Settlements		(3,652		)		(147		)		(2,180		)
	Balance at December 31		$	119,506			$	72,692			$	67,967

PENSION_PLANS_Tables

PENSION PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense [Abstract]	'
Aggregate net pension expense relating to the two plan types	'
	The aggregate net pension expense relating to these two plans are as follows:
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Service costs	$	1,795		$	1,290		$	1,289
	Interest costs	1,430			1,447			1,326
	Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	376			(55		)	67
	Settlement and other related gain	(59		)	(12		)	(726		)
	Curtailment gain	(1,607		)	—			—
	Net pension period cost	$	1,935		$	2,670		$	1,956
Schedule of change in projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation	'
	The change in projected benefit obligation and the accumulated benefit obligation, were as follows:
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
		(in thousands)
	Projected benefit obligation at beginning of the year	$	40,621		$	29,751
	Service costs	1,795			1,290
	Interest costs	1,430			1,447
	Settlement	(59		)	(12		)
	Curtailment gain	(1,607		)	—
	Actuarial (gain) loss	(3,460		)	9,196
	Benefits paid	(322		)	(360		)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes	518			(691		)
	Projected benefit obligation at end of the year	$	38,916		$	40,621
	Accumulated benefit obligation at end of the year	$	35,761		$	34,216
Schedule of actuarial assumptions used to deteremine benefit obligations for the plans	'
	Actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the plans were as follows:
		Years Ended
		31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12	31-Dec-11
	Assumed discount rate	3.1-4.0%		2.7-3.9%	4.6-5.3%
	Assumed compensation rate of increase	2.4-3.0%		2.4-3.0%	2.5-3.0%
Schedule of future estimated expected benefit payments over the next ten years	'
	Future estimated expected benefit payments over the next 10 years are as follows:
	Years Ending December 31:
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	474
	2015	625
	2016	695
	2017	1,053
	2018	905
	2019 through 2023	9,614
		$	13,366

OPERATING_AND_GEOGRAPHICAL_SEG1

OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	Information about Reportable Segments
		Micro-			Nonvolatile			RF and			ASIC		Total
		Controllers			Memories			Automotive
		(in thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Net revenue from external customers	$	896,916		$	114,264		$	182,857		$	192,410	$	1,386,447
	Segment income (loss) from operations	(23,427		)	16,005			21,837			55,243		69,658
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Net revenue from external customers	$	892,839		$	170,736		$	174,237		$	194,298	$	1,432,110
	Segment income (loss) from operations	22,994			21,057			(12,004		)	42,496		74,543
	Year ended December 31, 2011
	Net revenue from external customers	$	1,113,579		$	255,683		$	202,013		$	231,778	$	1,803,053
	Segment income from operations	235,478			55,721			16,962			64,009		372,170
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Consolidated Statements of Operations	'
	The Company does not allocate assets by segment, as management does not use asset information to measure or evaluate a segment’s performance.
	Reconciliation of Segment Information to Consolidated Statements of Operations
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Total segment income from operations	$	69,658		$	74,543		$	372,170
	Unallocated amounts:
	Acquisition-related charges	(5,534		)	(7,388		)	(5,408		)
	Restructuring charges	(50,026		)	(23,986		)	(20,064		)
	Recovery (impairment) of receivables due from foundry supplier	600			(6,495		)	—
	Settlement charges	(21,600		)	—			—
	Credit from reserved grant income	—			10,689			—
	Gain on sale of assets	4,430			—			35,310
	Consolidated income (loss) from operations	$	(2,472	)	$	47,363		$	382,008
Geographic sources of revenue	'
	Geographic sources of revenue were as follows:
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	United States	$	192,878		$	189,699		$	249,887
	Germany	199,298			175,930			237,777
	France	26,270			28,343			31,231
	Japan	41,533			51,141			57,376
	China, including Hong Kong	417,617			451,642			531,561
	Singapore	44,957			41,637			42,982
	South Korea	142,476			178,547			223,967
	Taiwan	51,830			67,806			135,650
	Rest of Asia-Pacific	120,290			72,128			71,048
	Rest of Europe	128,841			149,104			193,558
	Rest of the World	20,457			26,133			28,016
	Total net revenue	$	1,386,447		$	1,432,110		$	1,803,053
Locations of long-lived assets	'
	Physical locations of tangible long-lived assets were as follows:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	United States	$	104,912		$	85,044
	Philippines	50,472			61,594
	Germany	24,244			17,602
	France	17,249			28,000
	Rest of Asia-Pacific	23,815			38,842
	Rest of Europe	7,026			9,547
	Total	$	227,718		$	240,629

GAIN_ON_SALE_OF_ASSETS_Tables

GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Loss (Gain) on Sale of Assets	'
	Gain on Sale of Assets
		Years Ended
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-11
		(in thousands)
	Serial Flash Product Line	$	(4,430	)	$	—
	Former San Jose Corporate Headquarters	—			(33,428		)
	DREAM, France	—			(1,882		)
	Total gain on sale of assets	$	(4,430	)	$	(35,310	)
San Jose Corporate Headquarters [Member]	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Loss (Gain) on Sale of Assets	'
	The net book value of the properties sold was approximately $12.3 million on the closing date and the Company recorded a gain of $33.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2011, which is summarized below:
		(in thousands)
	Sales price	$	(48,500	)
	Net book value of assets transferred	12,262
	Transaction related costs	2,810
	Gain on sale of assets	$	(33,428	)

RESTRUCTURING_CHARGES_Tables

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Summary of the activity related to the accrual for restructuring charges detailed by event	'
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the accrual for restructuring charges detailed by event:
		Q2'10			Q2'12			Q4'12			Q1'13			Q3'13			Total 2013 Activity
		(in thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2013 - Restructuring Accrual	$	439		$	7,418		$	8,365		$	—		$	—		$	16,222
	Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	—			(13		)	(1,720		)	44,084			2,043			44,394
	Charges - Other	—			—			—			453			—			453
	Payments - Employee termination costs	(158		)	(6,508		)	(6,400		)	(21,873		)	(723		)	(35,662		)
	Payments - Other	—			—			(229		)	(453		)	—			(682		)
	Foreign exchange (gain) loss	—			—			(16		)	738			(6		)	716
	Balance at December 31, 2013 - Restructuring Accrual	$	281		$	897		$	—		$	22,949		$	1,314		$	25,441
	Non-cash charges (see discussion below)	$	—		$	—		$	68		$	5,111		$	—		$	5,179
		Q3'08			Q2'10			Q2'12			Q4'12			Total 2012 Activity
		(in thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2012 - Restructuring Accrual	$	301		$	1,846		$	—		$	—		$	2,147
	Charges - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	—			924			11,724			10,843			23,491
	Charges - Other	—			—			—			495			495
	Payments - Employee termination costs	(301		)	(1,902		)	(4,486		)	(2,973		)	(9,662		)
	Foreign exchange (gain) loss	—			(429		)	180			—			(249		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012 - Restructuring Accrual	$	—		$	439		$	7,418		$	8,365		$	16,222
		Q3'02			Q2'08			Q3'08			Q1'09			Q2'10			Total 2011 Activity
		(in thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2011 - Restructuring Accrual	$	1,592		$	3		$	460		$	136		$	1,286		$	3,477
	Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	—			(3		)	—			—			21,659			21,656
	Credits - Other	(1,592		)	—			—			—			—			(1,592		)
	Payments - Employee termination costs	—			—			—			—			(21,461		)	(21,461		)
	Payments - Other	—			—			—			(136		)	—			(136		)
	Currency translation adjustment	—			—			15			—			1,165			1,180
	Foreign exchange gain	—			—			(174		)	—			(803		)	(977		)
	Balance at December 31, 2011 - Restructuring Accrual	$	—		$	—		$	301		$	—		$	1,846		$	2,147

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE_Tables

NET INCOME PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted net income per share	'
	A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share is as follows:
		Years Ended
		December 31,				December 31,			December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Net income (loss)	$	(22,055	)		$	30,445		$	314,990
	Weighted-average shares - basic	427,460				433,017			455,629
	Dilutive effect of incremental shares and share equivalents	—				4,565			7,044
	Weighted-average shares - diluted	427,460				437,582			462,673
	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic
	Net income (loss) per share - basic	$	(0.05	)		$	0.07		$	0.69
	Diluted
	Net income (loss) per share - diluted	$	(0.05	)		$	0.07		$	0.68
Anti-dilutive securities not included in the "Weighted-average shares - diluted" used for calculation of diluted net income per share	'
	The following table summarizes securities that were not included in the “Weighted-average shares - diluted” used for calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive:
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Employee stock options and restricted stock units outstanding	11,860			4,718			1,977

INTEREST_AND_OTHER_INCOME_EXPE1

INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
Summary of interest and other income (expense), net	'
	Interest and other (expense) income, net, are summarized in the following table:
		Years Ended
		December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Interest and other income (expense)	$	1,911		$	(1,358	)	$	177
	Interest expense	(2,208		)	(4,130		)	(7,028		)
	Foreign exchange transaction gains	2,256			363			6,033
	Total	$	1,959		$	(5,125	)	$	(818	)

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 1 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
			customer
Schedule of Significant Accounting Policies	'	'	'
Number of customers with concentration risk	'	'	0
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax	$2,256,000	$363,000	$6,033,000
Investments	'	'	'
Term of original or remaining maturity to classify available-for-sale securities as short-term (in days)	'90 days	'	'
Fair value of investment	3,247,000	3,753,000	'
Prior Period Adjustment	'	'	'
Increase in net income due to error corrections	'	'	8,000,000
Auction-rate securities	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Fair value of investment	1,066,000	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Auction-rate securities	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Short-term interest rate reset period (in days)	'7 days	'	'
Period of contractual maturities (in years)	'10 years	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'	'	'
Term of original or remaining maturity to classify investments as cash and cash equivalents (in days)	'90 days	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Auction-rate securities	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Short-term interest rate reset period (in days)	'28 days	'	'
Reversal of Subcontractor Cost of Revenue Accruals [Member]	'	'	'
Prior Period Adjustment	'	'	'
Error correction and adjustment	'	'	6,900,000
Depreciation on Fixed Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Prior Period Adjustment	'	'	'
Error correction and adjustment	'	'	$1,700,000
Credit Concentration Risk | Accounts receivable	'	'	'
Schedule of Significant Accounting Policies	'	'	'
Number of customers with concentration risk	0	2	'

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 2 (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member]	'
Fixed assets	'
Estimated Useful Life (in years)	'3 years
Maximum [Member]	'
Fixed assets	'
Estimated Useful Life (in years)	'5 years
Buildings and improvements | Minimum [Member]	'
Fixed assets	'
Estimated useful lives (in years)	'10 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum [Member]	'
Fixed assets	'
Estimated useful lives (in years)	'20 years
Machinery, equipment and software | Minimum [Member]	'
Fixed assets	'
Estimated useful lives (in years)	'3 years
Machinery, equipment and software | Maximum [Member]	'
Fixed assets	'
Estimated useful lives (in years)	'5 years
Furniture and fixtures	'
Fixed assets	'
Estimated useful lives (in years)	'5 years

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 3 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Grant Recognition	'	'	'
Subsidy grant benefits recognized as a reduction of expenses	$5,000,000	$4,200,000	$3,200,000
Credit from Reserved Economic Grant Income	0	10,689,000	0
Total liability for grant benefits subject to repayment	$579,000	$5,054,000	'

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT6

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 4 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
			customer
Certain Risks and Concentrations	'	'	'
Number of customers with concentration risk	'	'	0
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax	$2,256	$363	$6,033
Net revenues	'	'	'
Certain Risks and Concentrations	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	'	10.00%	10.00%
Net revenues | Major Distributor with Largest Balance	'	'	'
Certain Risks and Concentrations	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	'	12.00%	'
Net revenues | Major Customer with Largest Balance	'	'	'
Certain Risks and Concentrations	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	14.00%	'	'
Net revenues | Major Customer with Second Largest Balance	'	'	'
Certain Risks and Concentrations	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	12.00%	'	'
Net revenues | Customer Concentration Risk	'	'	'
Certain Risks and Concentrations	'	'	'
Number of customers with concentration risk	1	1	'
Net revenues | Customer Concentration Risk | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Certain Risks and Concentrations	'	'	'
Threshold for Disclosure (as a percent)	10.00%	10.00%	'
Net revenues | Customer Concentration Risk | Major Distributor with Largest Balance	'	'	'
Certain Risks and Concentrations	'	'	'
Number of customers with concentration risk	1	1	0
Accounts receivable | Credit Concentration Risk	'	'	'
Certain Risks and Concentrations	'	'	'
Number of customers with concentration risk	1	2	'
Accounts receivable | Credit Concentration Risk | Major Distributor with Largest Balance	'	'	'
Certain Risks and Concentrations	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	'	14.00%	'
Accounts receivable | Credit Concentration Risk | Major Customer with Largest Balance	'	'	'
Certain Risks and Concentrations	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	20.00%	10.00%	'
Accounts receivable | Credit Concentration Risk | Major Customer with Second Largest Balance	'	'	'
Certain Risks and Concentrations	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%	12.00%	'

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT7

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 5 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
				Minimum [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Long-Lived Assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated Useful Life (in years)	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'	'5 years
Income Taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of likelihood of being sustained for uncertain tax position not to be recognized	'	'	'	'	'	'	50.00%
Product Warranties	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Product Warranty Period	'	'	'	'30 days	'	'3 years	'
Research and Development	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Research and development	$266,408	$251,519	$255,653	'	'	'	'

BALANCE_SHEET_DETAILS_1_Detail

BALANCE SHEET DETAILS 1 (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, less current portion	$7,010	$5,602
Inventories	'	'
Raw materials and purchased parts	9,547	19,963
Work-in-progress	200,434	231,614
Finished goods	64,986	96,696
Total inventories	274,967	348,273
Prepaids and other current assets	'	'
Deferred income tax assets	35,493	53,105
Income tax receivable	8,668	6,346
Prepaid income taxes	2,938	13,113
Value-added tax receivable	2,734	7,144
Other	42,401	45,311
Total prepaids and other current assets	92,234	125,019
Other assets	'	'
Deferred income tax assets, net of current portion	134,365	102,315
Investments in privately-held companies	8,128	8,493
Auction-rate securities	1,066	1,066
Other	34,608	11,091
Total other assets	$178,167	$122,965

BALANCE_SHEET_DETAILS_2_Detail

BALANCE SHEET DETAILS 2 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
interest expense related to MSA	$300,000	$2,300,000	$4,500,000
Other	21,000,000	34,500,000	31,900,000
Accrued and other liabilities	'	'	'
Accrued salaries and benefits and other employee related	67,486,000	54,993,000	'
Accrued restructuring	25,441,000	16,222,000	'
Royalties and licenses	8,204,000	4,295,000	'
Advance payments from customer	4,668,000	10,000,000	'
Warranty accruals and accrued returns	4,406,000	10,411,000	'
Income taxes payable	3,219,000	7,863,000	'
Grants to be repaid	579,000	5,054,000	'
Deferred income tax liability, current portion	208,000	304,000	'
Current portion of market price adjustment to supply agreement	0	20,953,000	'
Other	41,195,000	73,415,000	'
Total accrued and other liabilities	155,406,000	203,510,000	'
Other long-term liabilities	'	'	'
Income taxes payable	50,334,000	26,744,000	'
Accrued pension liability	38,418,000	40,087,000	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, less current portion	7,010,000	5,602,000	'
Long-term technology license payable	3,568,000	0	'
Advance payments from customer	0	4,668,000	'
Other	21,397,000	23,078,000	'
Total other long-term liabilities	120,727,000	100,179,000	'
Percentage of value of product shipped to the customer required to be paid annually as minimum repayment of customer advances	15.00%	'	'
Minimum repayment of customer advance required to be made annually, if minimum quantity of products is not supplied	10,000,000	'	'
Repayment of advances during the period under an agreement	10,000,000	10,000,000	10,000,000
Outstanding note payable	3,600,000	7,500,000	'
Outstanding note payable included in other long-term liabilities	2,900,000	6,600,000	'
Outstanding note payable included in accounts payable	700,000	900,000	'
Payment to equity method investee relating to a cost sharing arrangement for facility services	$6,700,000	$6,600,000	$3,700,000

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_Details

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 20, 2012

Dec. 20, 2012

Dec. 20, 2012

Dec. 20, 2012

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Ozmo Inc.

Ozmo Inc.

Ozmo Inc.

Ozmo Inc.

Ozmo Inc.

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Shareholders' Equity Interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$58,165

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Acquired Entity Unvested Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

237

'

'

'

'

Transaction costs incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,816

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,415

'

'

'

'

Eligible earnout amount based on achieving certain revenue targets and continuing employment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,927

'

'

'

'

BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableLiabilitiesAssumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

861

'

'

'

'

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

15,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

64,421

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

15,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

64,421

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Tangible Assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,805

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,450

2,650

12,020

780

Goodwill

'

108,240

104,430

67,662

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

46,166

'

'

'

Components of the identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,857

24,657

'

'

3,794

3,595

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total intangible assets, net

'

-28,116

-27,257

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated Useful Life (in years)

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'5 years

'

'

'4 years

'6 years

'

'

'1 year

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

Components of acquisition-related charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total acquisition-related charges

'

$5,534

$7,388

$5,408

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_IDT_DETA

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS IDT (DETAILS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 20, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
					Integrated Device Technology [Member]	Ozmo Inc.	Ozmo Inc.	Maximum [Member]	Customer Relationships [Member]	Developed technology [Domain]
									Maximum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
									Integrated Device Technology [Member]	Integrated Device Technology [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$15,600,000	'	'	'	$10,263,000	$64,421,000	'	'	'	'
Net tangible assets acquired	'	'	'	'	-1,374,000	'	'	'	'	'
Customer relationships acquired	'	'	'	'	-1,200,000	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated Useful Life (in years)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'5 years	'3 years	'6 years
Developed technology acquired	'	'	'	'	-2,100,000	'	'	'	'	'
Backlog acquired	'	'	'	'	-200,000	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible acquired	'	'	'	'	3,500,000	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	'	108,240,000	104,430,000	67,662,000	5,389,000	'	46,166,000	'	'	'
Number of employees acquired	'	'	'	'	20	50	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity Escrow Deposit	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,700,000	'	'	'
Eligible earnout amount based on achieving certain revenue targets and continuing employment	'	'	'	'	'	1,927,000	'	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	'	$41,321,000	$41,271,000	'	'	'	$12,200,000	'	'	'

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_Ozmo_DET

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS Ozmo (DETAILS) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 20, 2012

Dec. 20, 2012

Dec. 20, 2012

Dec. 20, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Integrated Device Technology [Member]

Ozmo Inc.

Ozmo Inc.

Customer Relationships [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Ozmo Inc.

Ozmo Inc.

Ozmo Inc.

Customer relationship acquired [Domain]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Developed Technology Rights [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Integrated Device Technology [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Developed technology acquired

'

'

'

'

'

$2,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Shareholders' Equity Interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

58,165,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid

15,600,000

'

'

'

'

10,263,000

64,421,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net tangible assets acquired

'

'

'

'

'

1,374,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Customer relationships acquired

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of employees acquired

'

'

'

'

'

20

50

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity Escrow Deposit

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Potential Cash Payment (Deprecated 2013-01-31)

'

-22,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Eligible earnout amount based on achieving certain revenue targets and continuing employment

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,927,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableLiabilitiesAssumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

861,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Acquired Entity Unvested Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

237,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transaction costs incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,816,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,415,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Tangible Assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,805,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-15,450,000

-2,650,000

-12,020,000

-780,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated Useful Life (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'3 years

'3 years

'6 years

'3 years

'3 years

'4 years

'1 year

Goodwill

'

'

108,240,000

104,430,000

67,662,000

5,389,000

'

46,166,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance

'

'

41,321,000

41,271,000

'

'

'

12,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Backlog acquired

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible acquired

'

'

'

'

'

$3,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_QUANTUM_

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS QUANTUM RESEARCH GROUP (DETAILS) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill	$108,240	$104,430	$67,662

INVESTMENTS_Details

INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments	'	'
Unrealized losses	'	($1,200,000)
Available-for-sale debt security contractual maturity minimum years	'10 years	'
Adjusted Cost	3,670,000	3,670,000
Unrealized gains	83,000	83,000
Unrealized losses	-506,000	0
Net unrealized (losses) gains	-423,000	83,000
Fair value of investment	3,247,000	3,753,000
Amount included in short-term investments	2,181,000	2,687,000
Auction-rate securities	1,066,000	1,066,000
Minimum maturity period of short-term investments as company has the ability and intent to redeem them within the year (in days)	'90 days	'
Corporate equity securities	'	'
Investments	'	'
Adjusted Cost	2,687,000	2,687,000
Fair value of investment	2,181,000	2,687,000
Auction-rate securities	'	'
Investments	'	'
Adjusted Cost	983,000	983,000
Fair value of investment	$1,066,000	'

FAIR_VALUE_OF_ASSETS_AND_LIABI2

FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Auction-rate securities

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Recurring basis

Corporate debt securities and other obligations

Corporate debt securities and other obligations

Auction-rate securities

Auction-rate securities

Institutional money market funds

Institutional money market funds

Fixed income

Fixed income

Marketable equity securities

Marketable equity securities

Total institutional funds - Deferred compensation plan

Total institutional funds - Deferred compensation plan

Total other assets [Domain]

Total other assets [Domain]

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Level 3

Corporate debt securities and other obligations

Corporate debt securities and other obligations

Auction-rate securities

Institutional money market funds

Institutional money market funds

Fixed income

Fixed income

Marketable equity securities

Marketable equity securities

Total institutional funds - Deferred compensation plan

Total institutional funds - Deferred compensation plan

Total other assets [Domain]

Total other assets [Domain]

Corporate debt securities and other obligations

Corporate debt securities and other obligations

Auction-rate securities

Corporate debt securities and other obligations

Auction-rate securities

Auction-rate securities

Investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Money market funds

'

'

$1,245,000

$1,036,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,245,000

$1,036,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

'

'

'

$0

'

'

'

'

Short-term investments

'

'

'

'

2,181,000

2,687,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,181,000

2,687,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

Other assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,066,000

1,066,000

2,225,000

597,000

338,000

902,000

3,279,000

3,479,000

5,842,000

4,978,000

6,908,000

6,044,000

'

'

'

'

0

2,225,000

597,000

338,000

902,000

3,279,000

3,479,000

5,842,000

4,978,000

5,842,000

4,978,000

'

'

'

'

0

1,066,000

1,066,000

'

1,066,000

1,066,000

Total

'

'

10,334,000

9,767,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,268,000

8,701,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

1,066,000

1,066,000

'

'

'

Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities

'

$1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum percentage of assets measured using Level 3 valuation methodologies to total assets

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

FIXED_ASSETS_Details

FIXED ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed assets	'	'	'
Fixed assets, gross	$1,485,705,000	$1,516,092,000	'
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-1,300,722,000	-1,295,048,000	'
Total fixed assets, net	184,983,000	221,044,000	'
Depreciation expense	66,600,000	67,600,000	68,900,000
Asset impairment charges	7,502,000	0	0
Land	'	'	'
Fixed assets	'	'	'
Fixed assets, gross	11,464,000	14,489,000	'
Buildings and improvements	'	'	'
Fixed assets	'	'	'
Fixed assets, gross	519,114,000	510,468,000	'
Machinery and equipment	'	'	'
Fixed assets	'	'	'
Fixed assets, gross	918,093,000	966,756,000	'
Furniture and fixtures	'	'	'
Fixed assets	'	'	'
Fixed assets, gross	19,794,000	21,636,000	'
Construction-in-progress	'	'	'
Fixed assets	'	'	'
Fixed assets, gross	$17,240,000	$2,743,000	'

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_NET_Goodwill

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET Goodwill, Net (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill	$104,430	$67,662
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	5,389	46,166
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	-1,579	-9,398
Goodwill	108,240	104,430
Micro-Controllers	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill	103,397	66,645
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	5,389	46,166
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	-1,625	-9,414
Goodwill	107,161	103,397
Application Specific Integrated Circuit	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill	1,033	1,017
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	0
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	46	16
Goodwill	$1,079	$1,033

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_NET_Details

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Intangible assets, net	'	'	'
Intangible assets, net	$28,116,000	$27,257,000	'
Estimated future amortization	'	'	'
2014	6,715,000	'	'
2015	5,978,000	'	'
2016	4,528,000	'	'
2017	4,328,000	'	'
2018	3,102,000	'	'
Thereafter	3,465,000	'	'
Total future amortization	28,116,000	27,257,000	'
Patented Technology [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, net	'	'	'
Intangible assets, net	5,344,000	'	'
Amortization expense	2,300,000	3,700,000	3,500,000
Estimated future amortization	'	'	'
2014	1,563,000	'	'
2015	1,390,000	'	'
2016	1,147,000	'	'
2017	1,147,000	'	'
2018	97,000	'	'
Thereafter	0	'	'
Total future amortization	5,344,000	'	'
Noncompete Agreements [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, net	'	'	'
Intangible assets, gross	3,794,000	3,595,000	'
Developed technology [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, net	'	'	'
Intangible assets, gross	22,398,000	20,298,000	'
Licensing Agreements [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, net	'	'	'
Intangible assets, gross	23,814,000	18,123,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-18,470,000	-16,171,000	'
Intangible assets, net	5,344,000	1,952,000	'
Estimated future amortization	'	'	'
Total future amortization	5,344,000	1,952,000	'
Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Intangible assets, net	'	'	'
Intangible assets, gross	52,049,000	48,550,000	'
Accumulated Amortization	-29,277,000	-23,245,000	'
Intangible assets, net	22,772,000	25,305,000	'
Amortization expense	6,000,000	5,600,000	4,600,000
Estimated future amortization	'	'	'
2014	5,152,000	'	'
2015	4,588,000	'	'
2016	3,381,000	'	'
2017	3,181,000	'	'
2018	3,005,000	'	'
Thereafter	3,465,000	'	'
Total future amortization	22,772,000	25,305,000	'
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, net	'	'	'
Intangible assets, gross	25,857,000	24,657,000	'
For developed technology [Member] | Acquisition-Related Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Intangible assets, net	'	'	'
Amortization expense	$1,000,000	$1,500,000	$1,100,000

BORROWING_ARRANGEMENTS_Details

BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Issuance cost for credit facility	$2,100,000	'
Long-term debt due after one year	7,010,000	5,602,000
Estimated repayment amount of Long-term debt obligations in 2015	9,600,000	'
Credit facility amount [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Credit facility in December 2013	300,000,000	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum amount to be withdrawn	$250,000,000	'

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_1_Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 1 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Gross excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation	$2,260	$1,264	$2,650
Total stock-based compensation expense, excluding acquisition-related charges	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	43,124	72,442	68,125
Net amounts released from (capitalized in) inventory	670	468	977
Stock Options [Member] | Total stock-based compensation expense, excluding acquisition-related charges	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	1,644	3,470	5,685
Employee stock purchase plan | Total stock-based compensation expense, excluding acquisition-related charges	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	2,858	3,107	2,511
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Total stock-based compensation expense, excluding acquisition-related charges	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$37,952	$65,397	$60,906

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_2_Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 2 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Total stock-based compensation expense, excluding acquisition-related charges	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$43,124	$72,442	$68,125
Tax benefit	-7,707	-12,060	-10,453
Total share-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	35,417	60,382	57,672
Cost of revenue	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	5,889	8,052	7,840
Research and development	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	14,852	22,825	22,916
Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$22,383	$41,565	$37,369

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_STOCKHOLDE

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 3 (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units R S U Non Performance Based [Member]

Restricted Stock Units R S U Non Performance Based [Member]

Restricted Stock Units R S U Non Performance Based [Member]

Performance-based Restricted Stock Unites (RSUs) [Member]

Performance-based Restricted Stock Unites (RSUs) [Member]

Performance-based Restricted Stock Unites (RSUs) [Member]

Performance-based Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Cancelled [Member]

Performance-based Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Cancelled [Member]

Performance-based Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Cancelled [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Range of Exercise Price $1.68-$14.94

Range of Exercise Price $1.68-$14.94

Range of Exercise Price $1.68-$14.94

Range of Exercise Price $2.11-$14.94

Range of Exercise Price $2.11-$14.94

Range of Exercise Price $2.11-$14.94

Range of Exercise Price $1.80-$13.77

Range of Exercise Price $1.80-$13.77

Range of Exercise Price $1.80-$13.77

Range of Exercise Price $1.68-$10.01

Range of Exercise Price $1.68-$10.01

Range of Exercise Price $1.68-$10.01

Range of Exercise Price $2.11-$8.83

Range of Exercise Price $2.11-$8.83

Range of Exercise Price $2.11-$8.83

Range of Exercise Price $1.68-$8.89

Range of Exercise Price $1.68-$8.89

Range of Exercise Price $1.68-$8.89

Range of Exercise Price $1.68-$10.01

Range of Exercise Price $1.68-$10.01

Range of Exercise Price $1.68-$10.01

Range of Exercise Price $1.77-$7.12

Range of Exercise Price $1.77-$7.12

Range of Exercise Price $1.77-$7.12

Range of Exercise Price $1.68-$7.12

Range of Exercise Price $1.68-$7.12

Range of Exercise Price $1.68-$7.12

Range of Exercise Price $2.13-$10.01

Range of Exercise Price $2.13-$10.01

Range of Exercise Price $2.13-$10.01

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at the beginning of the period, Grants (in shares)

'

'

6,148

16,523

11,463

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, Low End of Range (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2.13

$1.68

'

$3.24

$2.11

'

$3.26

$1.80

'

$3.32

$1.68

'

$4.23

$2.11

'

$4.43

$1.68

'

$4.74

$1.68

'

$4.77

$1.77

'

$4.89

$1.68

'

$4.92

$2.13

'

Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, High End of Range (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3.18

'

$14.94

$3.24

'

$14.94

$3.29

'

$13.77

$4.20

'

$10.01

$4.37

'

$8.83

$4.70

'

$8.89

$4.74

'

$10.01

$7.78

'

$7.12

$4.89

'

$7.12

$10.01

'

$10.01

Balance at the beginning of the period, Outstanding (in shares)

'

'

6,675

8,217

12,660

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at the beginning of the period, Weighted-average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)

'

'

$4.33

$4.26

$4.35

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional shares approved for issuance (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

25,000

'

19,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock units issued (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-7,922

-8,507

-6,343

2,084

-338

-3,474

'

'

'

-1,048

-338

-3,474

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Plan Adjustments (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

-597

1,248

793

-4,563

-5,189

-4,017

1,388

-206

-2,124

257

201

17

76

303

158

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock units cancelled in the period (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

-1,048

-1,783

-1,025

'

'

'

-422

-330

-25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options cancelled/expired/forfeited, Outstanding (in shares)

'

'

-76

-303

-158

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options cancelled/expired/forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price

'

'

$4.95

$4.05

$5.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options (in shares)

0

0

-2,964

-1,239

-4,285

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price

'

'

$4.12

$3.76

$4.51

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at the end of the period, Grants (in shares)

'

'

21,245

6,148

16,523

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at the end of the period, Outstanding (in shares)

'

'

3,635

6,675

8,217

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at the ending of the period, Weighted-average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)

'

'

$4.50

$4.33

$4.26

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_STOCKHOLDE1

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 4 (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Total shares authorized [Member] [Domain]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Stock Plan 2005 [Member]

Ozmo Inc.

Ozmo Inc.

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Value Assumed as Part of Acuisition

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional shares approved for issuance (in shares)

'

25,000,000

19,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total shares authorized as of 12/31/13

'

'

'

'

'

158,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares available for issuances

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,245,000

6,148,000

16,523,000

11,463,000

'

'

'

Restricted stock units issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

100,000

Weighted-average fair value of the rights to purchase shares (in dollars per share)

'

$8.84

$8.99

$8.71

$5.74

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6.17

$0.81

Share counted against the numerical limit for options available for grant on or after May 9, 2013

1.57

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares counted against the numerical limit for options available for grant on or after May 18, 2011 (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.61

'

'

Shares counted against the numerical limit for options available for grant prior to May 18, 2011 (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.78

'

'

Share available for grant after ratio adjustment

13,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_5_Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 5 (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Restricted Stock Units R S U Non Performance Based [Member]

Restricted Stock Units R S U Non Performance Based [Member]

Restricted Stock Units R S U Non Performance Based [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Restricted Stock Units R S U Performance Based [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Ozmo Inc.

Ozmo Inc.

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Restricted stock units, Number of Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at the end of the period (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,137

21,944

23,187

29,250

'

'

Stock units issued (in shares)

7,922

8,507

6,343

'

1,048

338

3,474

'

'

'

'

'

300

100

Stock units vested (in shares)

-7,271

-7,975

-6,345

'

'

'

-8,485

-330

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock units cancelled (in shares)

-2,084

-1,783

-1,025

'

-422

'

-25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at the end of the period (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,137

21,944

23,187

29,250

'

'

Restricted stock units, Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average fair value of the rights to purchase shares (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$8.84

$8.71

$8.99

$5.74

$6.17

$0.81

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

$7.36

$6.11

$10.88

$7.33

'

$9.19

$13.94

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock units vested (in dollars per share)

$7.30

$6.80

$5.20

'

'

'

$4.22

$12.31

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock units cancelled (in dollars per share)

$8.25

$7.81

$6.80

'

$13.50

'

$9.77

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$8.84

$8.71

$8.99

$5.74

$6.17

$0.81

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_6_Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 6 (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units R S U Non Performance Based [Member]

Restricted Stock Units R S U Non Performance Based [Member]

Restricted Stock Units R S U Non Performance Based [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Ozmo Inc.

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock units issued (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

7,922,000

8,507,000

6,343,000

1,048,000

338,000

3,474,000

Weighted-average fair value of the rights to purchase shares (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

$8.84

$8.71

$8.99

$5.74

$6.17

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock units vested (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,271,000

7,975,000

6,345,000

'

'

8,485,000

Shares withheld for employee taxes related to vested restricted stock units (in shares)

'

'

'

-3,256,000

-2,100,000

-6,252,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock units vested (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$7.30

$6.80

$5.20

'

'

$4.22

Aggregate intrinsic value of vested RSU

$53,500,000

$54,200,000

$193,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unearned stock-based compensation expense related to unvested awards

'

'

'

'

'

'

120,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average period of recognition of unearned compensation expense of unvested awards (in years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years 2 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock-based compensation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$14,500,000

$12,700,000

$7,500,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Value Assumed as Part of Acuisition

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_7_Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 7 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	0	0	'
Weighted average time for unearned expense to be recognized for options	'6 months	'	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Number of Shares	3,635	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (in years)	'3 years 8 months 1 day	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$4.50	'	'
Options Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$12,109,000	'	'
Options Exercisable - Number of Shares	3,573	6,200	6,400
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'3 years 7 months 27 days	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$4.49	'	'
Options Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	11,930,000	'	'
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	2,964	1,239	4,285
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	9,400,000	4,800,000	42,000,000
Aggregate exercise price	12,200,000	4,600,000	19,300,000
Unearned stock-based compensation expense related to unvested awards	300,000	'	'
Stock Options [Member] | Range of Exercise Price 2.13-3.18	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, Low End of Range (in dollars per share)	$2.13	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, High End of Range (in dollars per share)	$3.18	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Number of Shares	21	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (in years)	'1 year 6 months 18 days	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$2.35	'	'
Options Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	112,000	'	'
Options Exercisable - Number of Shares	21	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'1 year 6 months 18 days	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$2.35	'	'
Options Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	112,000	'	'
Stock Options [Member] | Range of Exercise Price 3.24-3.24	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, Low End of Range (in dollars per share)	$3.24	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, High End of Range (in dollars per share)	$3.24	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Number of Shares	413	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (in years)	'4 years 3 months 15 days	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$3.24	'	'
Options Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,896,000	'	'
Options Exercisable - Number of Shares	413	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'4 years 3 months 14 days	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$3.24	'	'
Options Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,896,000	'	'
Stock Options [Member] | Range of Exercise Price 3.26-3.29	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, Low End of Range (in dollars per share)	$3.26	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, High End of Range (in dollars per share)	$3.29	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Number of Shares	371	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (in years)	'1 year 9 months 8 days	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$3.28	'	'
Options Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,686,000	'	'
Options Exercisable - Number of Shares	371	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'1 year 9 months 7 days	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$3.28	'	'
Options Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,686,000	'	'
Stock Options [Member] | Range of Exercise Price 3.32-4.20	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, Low End of Range (in dollars per share)	$3.32	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, High End of Range (in dollars per share)	$4.20	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Number of Shares	381	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (in years)	'4 years 8 months 2 days	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$3.95	'	'
Options Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,480,000	'	'
Options Exercisable - Number of Shares	381	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'4 years 8 months 1 day	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$3.95	'	'
Options Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,480,000	'	'
Stock Options [Member] | Range of Exercise Price 4.23-4.37	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, Low End of Range (in dollars per share)	$4.23	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, High End of Range (in dollars per share)	$4.37	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Number of Shares	380	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (in years)	'3 years 3 months 25 days	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$4.26	'	'
Options Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,359,000	'	'
Options Exercisable - Number of Shares	340	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'3 years 4 months 9 days	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$4.26	'	'
Options Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,215,000	'	'
Stock Options [Member] | Range of Exercise Price 4.43-4.70	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, Low End of Range (in dollars per share)	$4.43	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, High End of Range (in dollars per share)	$4.70	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Number of Shares	320	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (in years)	'5 years 5 months 22 days	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$4.45	'	'
Options Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,083,000	'	'
Options Exercisable - Number of Shares	320	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'5 years 5 months 23 days	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$4.45	'	'
Options Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,083,000	'	'
Stock Options [Member] | Range of Exercise Price 4.74-4.74	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, Low End of Range (in dollars per share)	$4.74	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, High End of Range (in dollars per share)	$4.74	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Number of Shares	421	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (in years)	'3 years 7 months 10 days	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$4.74	'	'
Options Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,301,000	'	'
Options Exercisable - Number of Shares	421	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'3 years 7 months 13 days	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$4.74	'	'
Options Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,301,000	'	'
Stock Options [Member] | Range of Exercise Price 4.77-4.78	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, Low End of Range (in dollars per share)	$4.77	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, High End of Range (in dollars per share)	$7.78	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Number of Shares	59	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (in years)	'6 years 25 days	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$4.77	'	'
Options Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	182,000	'	'
Options Exercisable - Number of Shares	53	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'6 years 0 months 21 days	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$4.77	'	'
Options Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	162,000	'	'
Stock Options [Member] | Range of Exercise Price 4.89-4.89	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, Low End of Range (in dollars per share)	$4.89	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, High End of Range (in dollars per share)	$4.89	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Number of Shares	453	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (in years)	'2 years 7 months 5 days	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$4.89	'	'
Options Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,330,000	'	'
Options Exercisable - Number of Shares	452	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'2 years 7 months 6 days	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$4.89	'	'
Options Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,330,000	'	'
Stock Options [Member] | Range of Exercise Price 4.92-10.01	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, Low End of Range (in dollars per share)	$4.92	'	'
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price, High End of Range (in dollars per share)	$10.01	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Options Outstanding - Number of Shares	816	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (in years)	'3 years 8 months 10 days	'	'
Options Outstanding - Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$5.77	'	'
Options Outstanding - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,680,000	'	'
Options Exercisable - Number of Shares	801	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'3 years 7 months 20 days	'	'
Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$5.75	'	'
Options Exercisable - Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$1,665,000	'	'
Ozmo Inc. | Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Abstract]	'	'	'
Stock units issued (in shares)	100	'	'
Weighted-average fair value of the rights to purchase shares (in dollars per share)	$0.81	'	'

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_8_Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 8 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'	'	'
Purchase price of the entity's common stock expressed as percentage of fair market value at the commencement or end of the offering period	85.00%	'	'
Share Based Compensation, Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Offering Period	'6 months	'	'
Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the Company ESPPs shares	'	'	'
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Common Stock Repurchase Program	'	'	'
Authorized amount under stock repurchase program	$1,000,000,000	'	'
Remaining authorized amount available for stock repurchase	339,500,000	'	'
Shares of common stock repurchased	12,200,000	22,700,000	28,800,000
Average price of shares repurchased (in dollars per share)	$7.20	$7.92	$10.57
Reduction in common stock and additional paid-in capital by stock repurchases, excluding commission	87,800,000	179,600,000	304,200,000
1991 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'	'	'
Percentage of employee's eligible compensation as limitation on purchases	10.00%	'	'
Shares purchased	'	'	800,000
Average purchase price per share	'	'	$4.85
Employee Stock Purchase Plan 2010 [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'	'	'
Shares purchased	1,900,000	1,800,000	700,000
Average purchase price per share	$5.52	$6.19	$8.56
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	25,000,000	'	'
Number of shares available for issuances	20,600,000	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan	'	'	'
Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the Company ESPPs shares	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	0.10%	0.15%	0.12%
Expected life (in years)	'6 months	'6 months	'6 months
Expected volatility (as a percent)	44.00%	51.00%	46.00%
Weighted-average fair value of the rights to purchase shares (in dollars per share)	$1.49	$1.75	$2.70
Cash proceeds from the issuance of shares	$10,600,000	$11,000,000	$9,400,000

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation ending balance	$14,952	$11,627	$7,725
Foreign currency translation	0	'	0
Actuarial gains related to defined benefit pension plans	2,153	5,066	-1,712
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax benefit (expense) of $0 in 2013, $(27) in 2012 and $147 in 2011	3,325	3,902	-6,863
Actuarial gains (losses) related to defined benefit pension plans, net of tax benefit (expense) of $(1,210) in 2013, $2,628 in 2012 and $0 in 2011	2,913	-6,778	-197
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	147	-946	179
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	6,385	-3,822	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	0	'	0
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income	'	786	'
Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive income	6,385	-3,036	'
Change in unrealized gain or loss on investment	-2	-149	11
Accumulated other comprehensive income ending balance	12,797	6,412	9,448
Change in unrealized loss or gain on investment [Domain]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gain or loss	'	($160)	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 1 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Aug. 30, 2011
				San Jose Corporate Headquarters [Member]	San Jose Corporate Headquarters [Member]	San Jose Corporate Headquarters [Member]
Purchase Commitments	'	'	'	'	'	'
Capital purchase commitment	$5,300,000	'	'	'	'	'
Leases [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total rental expense	24,400,000	25,000,000	20,100,000	'	'	'
Sales consideration	'	'	'	'	-48,500,000	'
Lease term of new corporate headquarters located at 1600 Technology Drive in San Jose, California (the Technology Drive Lease)	'	'	'	'10 years	'	'
Future minimum rental payment of new corporate headquarters located at 1600 Technology Drive in San Jose, California (the Technology Drive Lease)	59,565,000	'	'	'	'	52,600,000
Aggregate non-cancelable future minimum rental payments under operating leases	'	'	'	'	'	'
2013	9,015,000	'	'	'	'	'
2014	7,631,000	'	'	'	'	'
2015	7,367,000	'	'	'	'	'
2016	6,740,000	'	'	'	'	'
2017	6,332,000	'	'	'	'	'
Thereafter	22,480,000	'	'	'	'	'
Total operating lease	59,565,000	'	'	'	'	52,600,000
Leases Additional Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase Commitments	$36,800,000	'	'	'	'	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 2 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
				Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Contingencies	'	'	'	'	'
Amount requested by LFR for damage	$135,000,000	'	'	'	'
Payments to LRF for the past three years	400,000,000	'	'	'	'
Product Warranties	'	'	'	'	'
Product Warranty Period	'	'	'	'30 days	'3 years
Activity related to the product warranty liability	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	4,832,000	5,746,000	4,019,000	'	'
Accrual for warranties during the period, net of change in estimates	2,203,000	3,672,000	7,383,000	'	'
Actual costs incurred	-3,349,000	-4,586,000	-5,656,000	'	'
Balance at end of period	$3,686,000	$4,832,000	$5,746,000	'	'

INCOME_TAXES_1_Details

INCOME TAXES 1 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Components of income (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'
U.S.	$25,648	($19,956)	$125,905
Foreign	-26,161	62,194	255,285
Income (loss) before income taxes	-513	42,238	381,190
Federal	'	'	'
Current	4,805	10,378	2,454
Deferred	-10,220	4,501	5,982
State	'	'	'
Current	35	-5	172
Deferred	-124	-494	-2,064
Foreign	'	'	'
Current	25,362	3,757	18,979
Deferred	1,684	-6,344	40,677
Provision for income taxes	21,542	11,793	66,200
Company's effective tax rate	'	'	'
U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State tax	3.56%	-0.23%	0.22%
Effect of foreign operations	-3979.63%	-2.55%	-15.52%
Recognition of tax credits	875.54%	-10.04%	-2.95%
Change of valuation allowance	-295.93%	1.04%	-0.09%
Audit settlements and IRS refunds	-828.85%	0.00%	0.20%
Other, net (1)	-4.15%	4.70%	0.51%
Effective tax provision rate	-4194.46%	27.92%	17.37%
Deferred income tax assets:	'	'	'
Net operating losses	46,723	53,500	'
Research and development, foreign tax and other tax credits	75,770	55,051	'
Accrued liabilities	30,599	31,519	'
Fixed assets	46,109	42,711	'
Intangible assets	10,555	8,331	'
Deferred income	5,261	5,007	'
Share-based compensation	5,889	9,084	'
Unrealized foreign exchange translation	1,109	4,801	'
Other	970	4,878	'
Total deferred income tax assets	222,985	214,882	'
Deferred income tax liabilities:	'	'	'
Fixed assets	0	-55	'
Deferred income	0	-846	'
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	0	-2,548	'
Foreign losses subject to recapture	-12,054	-14,837	'
Other	0	-267	'
Total deferred tax liabilities	12,054	18,553	'
Less valuation allowance	-41,321	-41,271	'
Net deferred income tax assets	169,610	155,058	'
Reported as:	'	'	'
Current deferred tax assets(1)	35,493	53,105	'
Current deferred tax liabilities(2)	-208	-304	'
Non-current deferred tax assets(3)	134,365	102,315	'
Non-current deferred tax liabilities(4)	($40)	($58)	'

INCOME_TAXES_2_Details

INCOME TAXES 2 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Subsidiary
Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of Foreign Subsidiary of Which Shares Have been Sold	1	'	'
Tax benefit realized from stock options exercised	$2,260,000	$1,264,000	$2,650,000
Amount of indefinite re-investment with respect to the earnings and profits of its other foreign subsidiaries	177,800,000	'	'
beginning of 2014 [Domain]	'	'	'
Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carry forwards	219,503,000	'	'
Federal | R&D credits	'	'	'
Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Federal R&D credits, net of those related to stock option deductions	9,925,000	'	'
Federal R&D credits related to stock option deductions	32,171,000	'	'
Foreign	'	'	'
Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax credits carry forwards	45,583,000	'	'
Foreign | R&D credits	'	'	'
Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax credits carry forwards	44,344,000	'	'
Beginning of 2025 [Domain]	'	'	'
Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carry forwards	19,336,000	'	'
State	'	'	'
Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carry forwards	511,749,000	'	'
State | R&D credits	'	'	'
Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax credits carry forwards	18,605,000	'	'
State | Investment tax credits	'	'	'
Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax credits carry forwards	$1,925,000	'	'

INCOME_TAXES_3_Details

INCOME TAXES 3 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Tax reserve due to foreign tax audit 2013	$11,500,000	'	'
Tax provision due to foreign audit	4,200,000	'	'
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	72,692,000	67,967,000	63,593,000
Tax Positions Related to Current Year:	'	'	'
Additions	13,201,000	10,270,000	8,794,000
Tax Positions Related to Prior Years:	'	'	'
Additions	58,253,000	793,000	0
Reductions	-13,836,000	-1,877,000	-568,000
Lapse of Statute of Limitation	-7,152,000	-4,314,000	-1,672,000
Settlements	-3,652,000	-147,000	-2,180,000
Balance at the end of the period	119,506,000	72,692,000	67,967,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate	43,400,000	27,200,000	25,200,000
Portion of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would result in adjustments to other tax accounts	44,100,000	45,500,000	42,800,000
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Tax Positions Related to Prior Years:	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits reasonably possible	0	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Tax Positions Related to Prior Years:	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits reasonably possible	$29,000,000	'	'

INCOME_TAXES_4_Details

INCOME TAXES 4 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense	$2.80	$0.40	$0.50
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued	$1.80	'	'

PENSION_PLANS_Details

PENSION PLANS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	plan
Aggregate net pension expense relating to the two plan types	'	'	'
Service costs	$1,795,000	$1,290,000	$1,289,000
Interest costs	1,430,000	1,447,000	1,326,000
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	376,000	-55,000	67,000
Settlement and other related gain	-59,000	-12,000	-726,000
Curtailment gain	-1,607,000	0	'
Net pension period cost	1,935,000	2,670,000	1,956,000
Change in projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of the year	40,621,000	29,751,000	'
Service costs	1,795,000	1,290,000	1,289,000
Interest costs	1,430,000	1,447,000	1,326,000
Settlement	-59,000	-12,000	'
Curtailment gain	1,607,000	0	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-3,460,000	9,196,000	'
Benefits paid	-322,000	-360,000	'
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	518,000	-691,000	'
Projected benefit obligation at end of the year	38,916,000	40,621,000	29,751,000
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of the year	35,761,000	34,216,000	'
Future estimated expected benefit payments over the next ten years	'	'	'
2014	474,000	'	'
2015	625,000	'	'
2016	695,000	'	'
2017	1,053,000	'	'
2018	905,000	'	'
2019 through 2023	9,614,000	'	'
Total	13,366,000	'	'
Number of types of retirement plans	2	'	'
Liability included in accrued and other liabilities	500,000	500,000	'
Accrued pension liability	38,418,000	40,087,000	'
Liability included in other long-term liabilities	'	40,100,000	'
Period of assumptions for discount rate (in years)	'30 years	'	'
Future Estimated Payments Plan Period	'10 years	'	'
Actuarial gains (losses) related to defined benefit pension plans, net of tax benefit (expense) of $(1,210) in 2013, $2,628 in 2012 and $0 in 2011	2,913,000	-6,778,000	-197,000
Expected net pension cost for next fiscal year	3,200,000	'	'
Expected cash funding for benefits to be paid next year	500,000	'	'
Contributions by employer	'	'	'
Future estimated expected benefit payments over the next ten years	'	'	'
Cash funding for benefits paid	$300,000	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	'	'	'
Assumed discount rate (as a percent)	3.10%	2.70%	4.60%
Assumed compensation rate of increase (as a percent)	2.40%	2.40%	2.50%
Future estimated expected benefit payments over the next ten years	'	'	'
Period of salary paid to Company's French employees as termination benefits at retirement, range (in months)	1	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations	'	'	'
Assumed discount rate (as a percent)	4.00%	3.90%	5.30%
Assumed compensation rate of increase (as a percent)	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Future estimated expected benefit payments over the next ten years	'	'	'
Period of salary paid to Company's French employees as termination benefits at retirement, range (in months)	5	'	'

OPERATING_AND_GEOGRAPHICAL_SEG2

OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	segment
Information about Reportable Segments	'	'	'
Net revenue from external customers	$1,386,447	$1,432,110	$1,803,053
Segment income (loss) from operations	69,658	74,543	372,170
Unallocated amounts:	'	'	'
Acquisition-related charges	-5,534	-7,388	-5,408
Restructuring charges	-50,026	-23,986	-20,064
ImpairmentOfRecivablesDueFromFoundry	600	-6,495	0
Asset impairment charges	-21,600	0	0
Credit from Reserved Economic Grant Income	0	10,689	0
Gain on sale of assets	4,430	0	35,310
Income from operations	-2,472	47,363	382,008
Number of Operating Segments	4	'	'
Micro-Controllers	'	'	'
Information about Reportable Segments	'	'	'
Net revenue from external customers	896,916	892,839	1,113,579
Segment income (loss) from operations	-23,427	22,994	235,478
Nonvolatile Memories	'	'	'
Information about Reportable Segments	'	'	'
Net revenue from external customers	114,264	170,736	255,683
Segment income (loss) from operations	16,005	21,057	55,721
RF and Automotive	'	'	'
Information about Reportable Segments	'	'	'
Net revenue from external customers	182,857	174,237	202,013
Segment income (loss) from operations	21,837	-12,004	16,962
ASIC	'	'	'
Information about Reportable Segments	'	'	'
Net revenue from external customers	192,410	194,298	231,778
Segment income (loss) from operations	$55,243	$42,496	$64,009

OPERATING_AND_GEOGRAPHICAL_SEG3

OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS 2 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Geographic sources of revenue and locations of long-lived assets	'	'	'
Net revenue	$1,386,447	$1,432,110	$1,803,053
Long-lived assets	227,718	240,629	'
Exclusions from long-lived assets	'	'	'
Fair value of investment	3,247	3,753	'
Goodwill	108,240	104,430	67,662
Intangible assets, net	28,116	27,257	'
Non-current deferred tax assets(3)	134,365	102,315	'
Auction-rate securities	'	'	'
Exclusions from long-lived assets	'	'	'
Fair value of investment	1,066	'	'
United States	'	'	'
Geographic sources of revenue and locations of long-lived assets	'	'	'
Net revenue	192,878	189,699	249,887
Long-lived assets	104,912	85,044	'
Philippines	'	'	'
Geographic sources of revenue and locations of long-lived assets	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	50,472	61,594	'
Germany	'	'	'
Geographic sources of revenue and locations of long-lived assets	'	'	'
Net revenue	199,298	175,930	237,777
Long-lived assets	24,244	17,602	'
FRANCE	'	'	'
Geographic sources of revenue and locations of long-lived assets	'	'	'
Net revenue	26,270	28,343	31,231
Long-lived assets	17,249	28,000	'
Japan	'	'	'
Geographic sources of revenue and locations of long-lived assets	'	'	'
Net revenue	41,533	51,141	57,376
China, including Hong Kong	'	'	'
Geographic sources of revenue and locations of long-lived assets	'	'	'
Net revenue	417,617	451,642	531,561
Singapore	'	'	'
Geographic sources of revenue and locations of long-lived assets	'	'	'
Net revenue	44,957	41,637	42,982
South Korea	'	'	'
Geographic sources of revenue and locations of long-lived assets	'	'	'
Net revenue	142,476	178,547	223,967
Taiwan	'	'	'
Geographic sources of revenue and locations of long-lived assets	'	'	'
Net revenue	51,830	67,806	135,650
Asia-Pacific	'	'	'
Geographic sources of revenue and locations of long-lived assets	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	23,815	38,842	'
Rest of Asia-Pacific	'	'	'
Geographic sources of revenue and locations of long-lived assets	'	'	'
Net revenue	120,290	72,128	71,048
Rest of Europe	'	'	'
Geographic sources of revenue and locations of long-lived assets	'	'	'
Net revenue	128,841	149,104	193,558
Long-lived assets	7,026	9,547	'
Rest of the World	'	'	'
Geographic sources of revenue and locations of long-lived assets	'	'	'
Net revenue	$20,457	$26,133	$28,016

OPERATING_AND_GEOGRAPHICAL_SEG4

OPERATING AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS 3 (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	distributor	distributor	customer
Concentration risk	'	'	'
Number of customers with concentration risk	'	'	0
Net revenues	'	'	'
Concentration risk	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	'	10.00%	10.00%
Net revenues | Distributor with largest balance	'	'	'
Concentration risk	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	14.00%	'	'
Net revenues | Distributor with second largest balance	'	'	'
Concentration risk	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	12.00%	'	'
Net revenues | Major Distributor with Largest Balance	'	'	'
Concentration risk	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	'	12.00%	'
Net revenues | Customer Concentration Risk	'	'	'
Concentration risk	'	'	'
Number of customers with concentration risk	1	1	'
Net revenues | Customer Concentration Risk | Major Distributor with Largest Balance	'	'	'
Concentration risk	'	'	'
Number of customers with concentration risk	1	1	0
Accounts receivable | Credit Concentration Risk	'	'	'
Concentration risk	'	'	'
Number of customers with concentration risk	1	2	'
Accounts receivable | Credit Concentration Risk | Distributor with largest balance	'	'	'
Concentration risk	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	20.00%	10.00%	'
Accounts receivable | Credit Concentration Risk | Distributor with second largest balance	'	'	'
Concentration risk	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%	12.00%	'
Accounts receivable | Credit Concentration Risk | Major Distributor with Largest Balance	'	'	'
Concentration risk	'	'	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	'	14.00%	'

GAIN_ON_SALE_OF_ASSETS_1_Detai

GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS 1 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 15, 2011
				Cash [Member]	Assets Held-for-sale [Member]	San Jose Corporate Headquarters [Member]	Dream, France	Dream, France
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred Gain on Sale of Property	($4,430,000)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on sale of assets	-4,430,000	0	-35,310,000	'	'	-33,428,000	-1,882,000	'
Disposal of Product Line Sale Proceeds	'	'	'	25,000,000	'	'	'	'
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current	'	'	'	'	7,000,000	'	'	'
Sales consideration	'	'	'	'	'	-48,500,000	'	-2,300,000
Disposal Group, Assets of Business Transferred under Contractual Arrangement	'	'	'	'	'	12,262,000	'	'
Transaction related costs	'	'	'	'	'	$2,810,000	'	'

GAIN_ON_SALE_OF_ASSETS_2_Detai

GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS 2 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Loss (gain) on disposal	'	'	'
Gain on sale of assets	($4,430)	$0	($35,310)
San Jose Corporate Headquarters [Member]	'	'	'
Loss (gain) on disposal	'	'	'
Sales price	'	'	48,500
Net assets transferred, including working capital	'	'	12,262
Transaction related costs	'	'	2,810
Gain on sale of assets	'	'	($33,428)

GAIN_ON_SALE_OF_ASSETS_3_Detai

GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS 3 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Loss (gain) on disposal	'	'	'
Gain on sale of assets	($4,430)	$0	($35,310)

GAIN_ON_SALE_OF_ASSETS_4_Detai

GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS 4 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Loss (gain) on disposal	'	'	'
Gain on sale of assets	($4,430)	$0	($35,310)
Interest expense	$2,208	$4,130	$7,028

GAIN_ON_SALE_OF_ASSETS_5_Detai

GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS 5 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 15, 2011
				Cash [Member]	Assets Held-for-sale [Member]	Digital Research in Electronics Acoustics and Music SAS [Member]	Digital Research in Electronics Acoustics and Music SAS [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Disposal of Product Line Sale Proceeds	'	'	'	$25,000,000	'	'	'
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current	'	'	'	'	7,000,000	'	'
Sales consideration	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,300,000
Gain on sale of assets	4,430,000	0	35,310,000	'	'	1,882,000	'
Deferred Gain on Sale of Property	($4,430,000)	'	'	'	'	'	'

RESTRUCTURING_CHARGES_Restruct

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	$50,026	$23,986	$20,064
Contract Termination [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	'	2,147	3,477
Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	'	500	21,656
Credits - Other	'	'	-1,592
Payments - Employee termination costs	'	'	-21,461
Payments - Other	'	'	-136
Currency translation adjustment	'	'	1,180
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	'	'	-977
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	2,147
Contract Termination [Member] | Quarter Three 2002 [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	1,592
Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	'	'	0
Credits - Other	'	'	-1,592
Payments - Employee termination costs	'	'	0
Payments - Other	'	'	0
Currency translation adjustment	'	'	0
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	'	'	0
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	0
Contract Termination [Member] | Quarter Two 2008 [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	3
Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	'	'	-3
Credits - Other	'	'	0
Payments - Employee termination costs	'	'	0
Payments - Other	'	'	0
Currency translation adjustment	'	'	0
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	'	'	0
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	0
Contract Termination [Member] | Quarter Three 2008 [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	460
Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	'	'	0
Credits - Other	'	'	0
Payments - Employee termination costs	'	'	0
Payments - Other	'	'	0
Currency translation adjustment	'	'	15
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	'	'	-174
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	301
Contract Termination [Member] | Quarter One 2009 [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	136
Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	'	'	0
Credits - Other	'	'	0
Payments - Employee termination costs	'	'	0
Payments - Other	'	'	-136
Currency translation adjustment	'	'	0
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	'	'	0
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	0
Contract Termination [Member] | Quarter Two 2010 [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	1,286
Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	'	'	21,659
Credits - Other	'	'	0
Payments - Employee termination costs	'	'	-21,461
Payments - Other	'	'	0
Currency translation adjustment	'	'	1,165
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	'	'	-803
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	1,846
Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	16,222	2,147	'
Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	44,394	23,491	'
Charges - Other	453	495	'
Payments - Employee termination costs	-35,662	-9,662	'
Payments - Other	-682	'	'
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	716	249	'
Restructuring Reserve	25,441	16,222	'
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	5,179	'	'
Employee Severance [Member] | Quarter Three 2008 [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	'	301	'
Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	'	0	'
Charges - Other	'	0	'
Payments - Employee termination costs	'	-301	'
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	'	0	'
Restructuring Reserve	'	0	'
Employee Severance [Member] | Quarter Two 2010 [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	439	1,846	'
Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	0	924	'
Charges - Other	0	0	'
Payments - Employee termination costs	-158	-1,902	'
Payments - Other	0	'	'
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	0	429	'
Restructuring Reserve	281	439	'
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	0	'	'
Employee Severance [Member] | Quarter Two 2012 [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	7,418	0	'
Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	-13	11,724	'
Charges - Other	0	0	'
Payments - Employee termination costs	-6,508	-4,486	'
Payments - Other	0	'	'
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	0	-180	'
Restructuring Reserve	897	7,418	'
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	0	'	'
Employee Severance [Member] | Quarter Four 2012 [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	8,365	0	'
Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	-1,720	10,843	'
Charges - Other	0	495	'
Payments - Employee termination costs	-6,400	-2,973	'
Payments - Other	-229	'	'
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	-16	0	'
Restructuring Reserve	0	8,365	'
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	68	'	'
Employee Severance [Member] | Quarter One 2013 [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	0	'	'
Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	44,084	'	'
Charges - Other	453	'	'
Payments - Employee termination costs	-21,873	'	'
Payments - Other	-453	'	'
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	738	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	22,949	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	5,111	'	'
Employee Severance [Member] | Quarter Three 2013 [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	0	'	'
Charges (credits) - Employee termination costs, net of change in estimate	2,043	'	'
Charges - Other	0	'	'
Payments - Employee termination costs	-723	'	'
Payments - Other	0	'	'
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	-6	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	1,314	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	$0	'	'

RESTRUCTURING_CHARGES_Textual_

RESTRUCTURING CHARGES - Textual (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Employee Severance [Member]

Employee Severance [Member]

Employee Severance [Member]

Employee Severance [Member]

Employee Severance [Member]

Employee Severance [Member]

Contract Termination [Member]

Contract Termination [Member]

Contract Termination [Member]

Contract Termination [Member]

Impairment [Member]

Rousset and Nantes [Member]

Heilbronn [Domain] [Domain]

US and others [Domain]

US and others [Domain]

Heilbronn [Member]

Building [Member]

Building [Member]

Building [Member]

Quarter Three 2013 [Member]

Quarter One 2013 [Member]

Quarter Two 2010 [Member]

Quarter Two 2010 [Member]

Quarter Two 2010 [Member]

Quarter Three 2002 [Member]

Quarter One 2013 [Member]

Quarter One 2013 [Member]

Quarter One 2013 [Member]

Rousset [Member]

Greece [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$32,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash

'

'

'

5,179,000

'

0

5,111,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

6,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Curtailment gain

-1,607,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying value of building

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,100,000

2,700,000

Fair value of building

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

1,100,000

Asset impairment charges

7,502,000

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,700,000

'

'

Restructuring charges

50,026,000

23,986,000

20,064,000

44,394,000

23,491,000

2,043,000

44,084,000

0

924,000

500,000

21,656,000

21,659,000

0

'

'

15,800,000

14,600,000

'

8,500,000

'

'

'

Restructuring Charges, Net of Change in Estimate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

'

'

'

'

Credit (other) to restructuring

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($1,592,000)

$0

($1,592,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

LOSS_FROM_FOUNDRY_PARTNERS_Det

LOSS FROM FOUNDRY PARTNERS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Loss from European foundry supply [Line Items]	'	'	'
(Gain) loss from foundry arrangement	($3,034,000)	$10,628,000	$0
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Charge-offs	600,000	-6,495,000	0
Take-or-pay Agreement to Purchase Wafers from a European Foundry [Member]	'	'	'
Loss from European foundry supply [Line Items]	'	'	'
Loss from excess wafer	'	-10,600,000	'
(Gain) loss from foundry arrangement	7,400,000	'	'
Write-off of excess wafer	10,400,000	'	'
Write-off a wafer prepayment	1,900,000	'	'
Reduction of previously recorded take-or-pay liability	($4,900,000)	'	'

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE_Details

NET INCOME PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted net income per share	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($22,055)	$30,445	$314,990
Weighted-average shares - basic	427,460	433,017	455,629
Dilutive effect of incremental shares and share equivalents	0	4,565	7,044
Weighted-average shares - diluted	427,460	437,582	462,673
Basic	'	'	'
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	($0.05)	$0.07	$0.69
Diluted	'	'	'
Net income per share (in dollars per share)	($0.05)	$0.07	$0.68
Anti-dilutive securities not included in the "Weighted-average shares - diluted" used for calculation of diluted net income per share	'	'	'
Employee stock options and restricted stock units outstanding (in shares)	11,860	4,718	1,977

INTEREST_AND_OTHER_INCOME_EXPE2

INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Interest and other income (expense), net	'	'	'
Interest and other (expense) income	$1,911	($1,358)	$177
Interest expense	-2,208	-4,130	-7,028
Foreign exchange transaction gains	2,256	363	6,033
Total	$1,959	($5,125)	($818)

Schedule_II_Details

Schedule II (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable:	'	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Year	$1,926	$11,005	$11,833	$11,847
Changes to Expense	-22	-18	-14	'
Deductions- Write-offs	-9,057	-810	0	'
Balance at End of Year	1,926	11,005	11,833	11,847
Valuation/Allowance for deferred tax assets:	'	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Year	41,321	41,271	38,742	85,755
Changes to Expense	3,402	2,935	-47,013	'
Deductions- Write-offs	-3,352	-406	0	'
Balance at End of Year	$41,321	$41,271	$38,742	$85,755